If you’re still planning to cast your vote in the Government of the Student Body elections, think again. Polls closed Thursday at 6 p.m.

Results will be announced early this evening.

Many students who did exercise their right to vote didn’t have kind words Thursday for those who neglected to get to the polling site during the three-day election.

“It’s really disappointing. The Daily has so much [about] GSB, and only 15 percent vote. They can’t complain if they didn’t vote,” said Janna Carlson, a senior in mechanical engineering.

Another student, Ted Aalbers, a sophomore in business, was also disgruntled with those who don’t vote, yet complain about GSB.

“There are too many people that are bitching to the Daily who haven’t voted. They’d have the right to bitch if they’ve voted,” Aalbers said.

The new three-day format, however, was generally well-received. Past elections have been conducted over one day. Election Commissioner Ryan Flaugh said elections were held over three days in hopes of getting more students to the polls.

“This way it can’t conflict with class schedules,” said Naomi Bremer, a senior in chemical engineering.

Some students who forgot their current fee cards the first time around were glad they had more time to return to the polls. “I like the three days. I didn’t have my fee card on the first day, so I got to vote on the third day,” said Jorden Christiansen, an undecided freshman.

About 600 votes were cast on Tuesday. Totals for Wednesday and Thursday were not immediately available, but organizers said the pace picked up as the election wore on.

There was a lengthy line snaking out of the Oak Room in the Union throughout most of the day Thursday.

“I was actually glad to wait in line because it means more people are coming. It’s sad to say,” Bremer said.

About 1,600 students voted in last year’s election. Election officials were hoping for 3,000 votes this year.

Some tension

Waiting to vote, many students said they were unhappy with some of the election rules that restrict most off-campus campaigning.

“The election laws are too stringent. Things like the buttons in the bars should be no big deal,” said Ben Hahn, a senior in electrical engineering.

Carlson agreed. She said the “campaign zone,” which limits campaigning to most on-campus university owned property, the Union and the interior of fraternity and sorority houses, is too strict. She said candidates should be able to hang up signs wherever they want.

Early favorite?

While GSB officials have been reluctant to pick a winner before results are released later today, most students weren’t hesitant Thursday to talk about their favorite candidates.

“I like [Todd] Swanson and [Amber] Powell because they are middle-of-the-road. They don’t represent one group,” Hahn said.

Carlson also said she voted for Swanson and Powell, but for different reasons. She said they are more concerned with getting people to vote than getting votes for themselves.

On the other hand, Christiansen touted presidential candidate LaRhonda Potts because of her views about racial and diversity issues.

“I like where she stands with racism. She also seems to have a clue with the answers in the debates. The other candidates seemed shallow with their answers,” Christiansen said.

Tchi Mhan Kim, a freshman in hotel management, said GSB needs to get more information about the candidates to students. “My friends don’t even know the names of the candidates,” Kim said.

Results will be announced at 6 p.m. in the Cardinal Room of the Memorial Union. The Daily will have complete coverage of the elections in Monday’s paper.