Homecoming is quickly approaching at The University of Alabama, and with the parade, spirit activities and football game against Kentucky comes the annual race for Homecoming Queen. 

Like other student elections at the University, the race for homecoming queen has become the subject of intense competition and high profile election tactics. But this fall, the SGA Election Board’s new certified manual features several key changes to the rule in which students can campaign. 

While the rule preventing organizations from requiring a student to produce evidence of voting or voting for specific candidates is already in place, additional restrictions have been placed on “incentives” given out for proof of voting in general. 

“This includes but is not limited to offering any kind of incentive, positive or negative, in exchange for producing evidence of voting in general or voting for specific candidates,” and “Sanctions for incentive violations can be imposed on candidates, students and/or Source registered organizations at the discretion of the Elections Board.”

Additionally, candidates are allowed to utilize social media to share information about their platform, but the use of “boosting” features is now strictly prohibited. 

The final change pertained to organizational endorsements of a given candidate, and the means in which they must publicly disclose their stance when posting about their decision on social media. 

If a SOURCE-registered organization so chooses, it may select a candidate to grant an endorsement to in a UA student election. However, organizations that endorse must include a very specific disclaimer at the top of each related post. 

“(Organization name) endorses (candidate name) for (insert position). Our members’ votes are their own and they have the right to choose whether to vote and whom to vote for. We encourage all voters to research any and all candidates and to decide for themselves.”

The full elections manual, including the recent changes, can be found online at vote.ua.edu.