Nerves ran high as the 2015 SGA candidates prepared to take the stage Feb. 9, in the Student Center Ballroom.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to present their platforms and discuss what makes them qualified to represent Auburn University and its students.
First, the top five Miss Auburn candidates summarized their platforms and gave their reasons for running a campaign.
Following this introduction, the treasurer, vice president and presidential candidates also presented their platforms and took questions from the student body.
This year's candidates are running unopposed, and according to presidential candidate Walker Byrd, it is not a negative thing.
"All three elections are unopposed and I personally think it's a good thing," Walker said, "Brett, Justin and I have been able to build relationships with each other, that way we can step into this office and already have that pre-existing relationship, the classes behind us are bought into the success of this organization."
Brett Walton, running for SGA treasurer, was the first to speak, opening with a verse from the Bible, Psalms 16:8.
"My faith is very important to me, and it's going to guide my decisions while I act as SGA treasurer in this upcoming year," Walton said.
Walton's has served on the SGA Senate, working with the management of student activity funds. His platform is based on being approachable to students. Walton said he hopes to serve as the buffer between the administration and the student body.
The project Walton said he is looking forward to working on as treasurer is the Student Memorial Project. This project is designed to focus on students who died during their time at Auburn.
The memorial which Walton is hoping to get approved will consist of different pillars of the Auburn Creed and serve as a place students can go to remember those who have lost their lives.
Following Walton's statements about the unity between students and the administration, Justin Mathews, candidate for vice president, presented his platform, which is also grounded in making students' voices heard.
Matthews said that the Senate is in charge of representing the students, and after being involved himself, he said he has seen a gap between the Senate and the students they serve.
"I want to get students involved and empower them by helping them seeing the huge impact their opinion can have," Mathews said.
Mathews said he wants to begin by keeping students informed. Once students are informed, Mathews said they can give their opinions, and by having student input, change can be accomplished.
Last to take the stand was Byrd, who, like his fellow candidates, expressed a need to make student voices heard.
"Auburn University empowers you to have your voice heard as a student better than any college in the nation," Byrd said.
Among his points for more student involvement Byrd hopes to update the class registration method, making an affordability council available to students before and during their time at Auburn, advocate for a new College of Sciences and Mathematics lounge and begin the conversation about expanding the Student Center.
Byrd said every student has a voice in these matters, whether they realize it or not.
"This campaign has been all about the students," Walton said.
Voting will open Feb. 10, at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.
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