This year’s GSB election has been great. Honestly.

Between two well-balanced executive slates and the multiple debates offered to students, it’s been a success.

However, Election Commissioner Alden Peterson and the Election Commission have put a spectacular blemish on the whole process. Their decision to not release the results of the election until nearly two days after it ended is not just self-aggrandizing, but is a disservice to the student body. A 9:15 p.m. Thursday announcement might be convenient for GSB members, but it’s an insult to the student body – most of which has already mentally or physically checked out for spring break – GSB is elected to serve.

If it were just one day, it wouldn’t be so bad. GSB bylaw 15.2.3.10 states that “the Election Commission shall withhold the preliminary results of any election for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours after the close of polling for that election.”

The 24 hours are needed to count challenge ballots from students not on AccessPlus or who want to question the election process. But if the University of Iowa can close their polls at 4:30 p.m. and release the results by 5 p.m. the same day, why can’t we?

Even GSB President Brian Phillips said they have the possibility to get live updates if GSB wanted to, but it’s not something they’re “interested in doing.”

We’d also like to point out that the presidental candidates are interestingly split on the issue.

“The Thursday night before is one of the best times to reveal it. It builds up the excitement even more, which is a nice part of it,” said presidential hopeful Daniel Fischer.

But although excitement is building for the Fischer-Luttrell camp, Ryan Crampton said the process is ridiculous and that changes need to be made by letting students know as soon as possible.

So why the extra 21 hours? Because Peterson said a Wednesday release would have conflicted with the GSB Cabinet and Senate meetings.

How unfortunate that these meetings take up so much of the evening and an announcement couldn’t be fit in any other time of the day. We’re glad to know that an announcement concerning the votes of thousands of students will be held to fit the schedule of an organization with the sole responsibility of serving those same people.

But as long as GSB is all there in the same room Thursday night, we understand your reasoning. After all, a 9:15 p.m. release the night before a lot of students leave for spring break probably fits into their schedules, too.