The Western Eye has received reports of questionable campaigning tactics from candidates running for this year’s Students’ Union elections.

 

Flyers, sweets and the promise of “a better Union” are a common sight during voting week but some voters have been encouraged to vote on the promise of wining tickets to Glastonbury Festival.

 

Two candidates who have presented a joint campaign throughout voting week have been seen handing out raffle tickets to voters. The students, both running for full time positions have been given a final warning by the Returning Officer in charge of the elections for using this campaign tactic.

 

Raffle ticket holders were contacted via email and hand delivered leaflets informing them of the withdrawal of their votes. The Returning Officer stated why the action was unacceptable, “This confers unfair advantage and offers financial incentive to voters. It is in effect attempting to buy votes.” The candidates in question were then told to visit the student village at Frenchay to inform raffle ticket holders that the prize draw would not go ahead.

 

A stunt like this has never been tried before and as a result SU staff have had to inform the raffle ticket holders that their votes for these two positions have been removed from the online E-voting system and asked them to recast their votes.

 

To avoid further speculation and negative publicity, the Western Eye has been asked to postpone further coverage until after elections week. More detailed reports will be posted online after the election results are announced this afternoon.