Newly appointed Student Association Election Commissioner Andrew Nelms headed Monday’s executive candidate meeting.

Those in attendance received packets containing, among other things, the SA election policy, the schedule of events and election positions.

“Everything is right in this handbook for what you need to know about running an election,” said Rick Clark, director of University Programming & Activities.

Clark said he thought the SA should be able to have a clean election.

“To be on the ballot, you have to be at one of these meetings,” Nelms said.

There is a second meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. today at the Holmes Student Center, Room 406, for those interested.

The positions up for election are president, vice president and treasurer. These positions are filled for a one year term.

Interested students need to have their registration packets turned in by 4 p.m. Friday to the SA office manager. Ballot order is determined by the order in which the packets are turned in.

Candidates are required to get signatures from 400 fee-paying NIU students. They also are required to provide, upon request, proof of status as a student, the number of hours enrolled and proof of residency.

Clark reminded those gathered that they are not allowed to “camp out” outside the SA door and will be banned from entry into the election if they do.

On Feb. 18, the candidates whom Nelms determines are eligible to run will be announced. Campaigning begins Feb. 19, and the elections will be held from March 25 to 26.

To hold a position within the SA, a student must not be on academic probation and must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or higher while holding office. Nelms said that on Feb. 17, he will check the qualifications for the potential candidates prior to announcing who is eligible.