Editor,
"They may not get it, but at least they are trying." These are the words I, Julianita Maestas, former interim ASUNM Elections Commissioner, said only two hours before I was denied confirmation by the Senate's Presidential Appointments Committee.
Before I continue, I will say that I have been involved in various organizations that believe in the voice of all students and the well being of the University. Everything I commit myself to is because, in my heart, I truly believe that what I am doing will positively affect my peers and the University community. So, therefore I was denied confirmation to the Elections Commission. I feel that myself, the heart and hard work I have put forth was totally discredited.
While serving as commissioner for four short weeks, I believe that the job I was assigned was being done excellently. I was in charge of the Voter Outreach Taskforce. This position meant so much to me because during previous elections, I worked with various organizations to inform the student body about ASUNM and its importance. Voter outreach seemed like a job that the Elections Commission should be required to do, but was not being carried out in previous elections.
Unlike last year, Danny Milo, chairman of the commission, along with my fellow commissioners, was doing an excellent job. To this point, I had created a letter that went to every student organization informing them about the elections and encouraging them to vote. In addition, "Get Ready, Get Out and Vote" fliers were made and being posted around campus. The commission had organized an information tent for the entire student body to receive information about the election.
Despite my hard work, enthusiasm and sincere commitment, on Wednesday the Presidential Appointment Committee denied me by a vote of 1-3. The reason, as I understand it, is because I campaigned for one of the candidates during homecoming elections. I did not know, and was not informed until 4:30 p.m. that day, that I was not allowed to campaign and therefore stopped when told. In addition, there was miscommunication as to what the regulations were for election officials on homecoming election day. To my understanding, we were only there to certify the ballots at the end of the day.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
It baffles me that this came from our senators, who I gave the benefit of the doubt to in saying "they are trying" and said were attempting to reach out to all students rather than the select traditional Greeks ASUNM has catered to in the past.
Well, I guess I spoke too soon because here I am devoted to the cause of voter outreach to UNM students and doing a job for the first time in Elections Commission history, and I was not given a fair and sincere chance.
Why? I believe it was not because I was campaigning but because the majority of the committee members and ASUNM know I will not cater to traditional Greek politics, but I will cater to the needs of all students. I guess I am a definite threat to their corrupt and biased politics of the past that continues and will fall.
In closing, I thank ASUNM Elections Commission for doing an efficient and excellent job. To Sen. Celestina Torres, who believed in my ability and integrity. To Chairman Danny Milo, who has believed in me as a person and professional. Lastly, to those I may not have mentioned but who have and continue to support me.
Again, UNM "Get Ready, Get Out and Vote" Wednesday because your campus community needs your support and, most importantly, your voice!
Julianita Maestas
Former ASUNM
election commissioner
