By VALERIE METREJEAN

Staff Writer

Student Government Association elections began yesterday morning at 9 a.m. and will run through 3 p.m. today.

Cekedrick Batton, SGA Cabinet member and a sophomore journalism major, encouraged students to vote.

"We can only have effective leaders if we have effective voters," Batton said.

Batton said he believes this cannot happen when voters forfeit their chance to vote.

"If we have only a small group of students voting for the same people, [Tech] will not see the best outcome."

As Commissioner of Elections for SGA, Batton said when looking for a candidate to vote for, do not vote based on popularity but experience.

"These positions need someone who will help the university grow, not just them as a person," Batton said.

With recent changes in the vice president's role, Batton said voting for this position will be very important this year. The vice president will need to fill in for the president when they are not able to attend something.

"Students may not like the outcome, but if they did not vote they cannot really question the result," Batton said.

Kimberly Ludwig, SGA president and senior business management and entrepreneurship major, said if students have ideas or complaints they can come to SGA to get something done.

"This is why it is good to be aware of who our leaders are," Ludwig said.

In past years, Lindsay Mencacci, SGA vice president and a senior biology, said SGA projects have made a big impact on Tech's campus.

"SGA basically runs the school on the student level which determines a lot of things students do," Batton said.

Mencacci said each quarter the elected candidates will decide how to spend $30,000.

"Student parking was dramatically expanded in the 2001-2002 school year when the SGA president incorporated a new plan that has funded all the parking lot expansion since then," Mencacci said.

As part of SGA, the president, vice president, treasurer, class presidents and senators are also part of the Technology Fee Board.

"Since 1998, SGA members have helped the Technology Fee Board decide where $10 million would be used to improve our campus," Mencacci said.

Ludwig said the SGA is not only seen on the college level with administrations but the local and state with officials level as well.

"SGA members are the face of our university in many circumstances," Ludwig said.

Mencacci said voting can be done online at www.latechsga.com or at the physical polls in Tolliver from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students need to have their social security numbers and B.O.S.S. personal identification number to vote.

Mencacci said 21 amendments will also be voted on.

For students who would like to be a part of SGA, Mencacci said applications for membership are available at the SGA office in Tolliver, Rooms 211 and 212.

"There are several positions that are appointed by the SGA president," said Mencacci.

She also said applications for these positions are due by 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 15.