Sven Alskog
News Editor
Mackenzie Smith and Kitanna Belnap were announced as the new president and vice president, respectively, for the Associated Students of Idaho State University (ASISU) for the 2015-2016 academic year March 18 in the Quad Lounge of the Student Union Building.
The legislative branch was also announced featuring two returning senators and 18 newcomers, all of whom are listed in the election results posted on The Bengal’s Facebook page as well as in the online publication of this article.
Smith and Belnap, who make up the executive branch of ASISU student government, received 782 votes to earn the opportunity over the 507 votes for Sam Perry and his running mate Kourtney McConnell.
Both Smith and Belnap are currently Ambassadors at ISU, a program that gives campus tours and works to acclimate students to the university.
Right after the announcement the pair was already eager to get to working with the senators and the students of ISU.
“The biggest thing is open communication,” said Smith. “Even if you didn’t run with us we want to hear your voice and opinion.”
For Belnap, an ISU freshman who recently graduated from Century High School, the decision to run with Smith was one that stemmed from a similar mindset as well as some encouragement from Tynan O’Neil, who ran for president last year.
“With ASISU I have seen these problems, not all problems, but there are things to change and areas for improvement,” said Belnap. “I ran because I wanted to get my voice and the voices of students heard to make it better for all the students. Tynan [O’Neil] said I should run for vice president and Mackenzie [Smith] and I wanted many of the same things for the student body. I know how much Mackenzie wants to help the students.”
Smith and Belnap reportedly placed heavy emphasis on international students and students at the Meridian and Idaho Falls campuses while campaigning for the election. One way this was accomplished was reportedly through campaign materials written in the Arabic language.
Belnap also wants to see higher involvement for students when first getting on campus at ISU.
“First of all, I want to help create more representation and activities for younger students,” said Belnap. “No more, ‘you’re a freshman and you’re not involved.’”
The duo had a message for the students of ISU.
“Thank you all for being so supportive and I hope to serve you to the best of my abilities”, said Smith.
In total, 1,306 out of 9,983 eligible students voted for the executive branch, while 948 voted for senate candidates.
