By the end of February, Pitt-Johnstown students may begin to see campaign banners, chalk signs and lawn signs sprout up like spring grass in melting snow to ask for their vote in the upcoming Student Senate elections.

Student Senate Campus Relations Chairperson Michael Cerveris said that Student Senate will be advertising the elections more heavily this year.

According to an April 13 issue of The Advocate, out of about 3,000, 664 students voted in the election – a turnout of about 22 percent.

“Also, we’ve extended the petition dates for the presidential elections to allow candidates more time to advertise and establish a platform,” Cerveris said.

The presidential campaign and petition period is to be from Feb. 27 to March 9, and the presidential election is to be March 20 and 21.

The general senate elections are to follow the next week.  The campaigning period is to be from March 26 to April 4, and the elections are to be April 10 and 11.

Cerveris said all students should vote because the Student Senate is the primary  representative of their concerns.

“Students have so much time and money invested in this institution. It would make no sense for them not to vote and express their opinions,” he said.

Cerveris also said that the election candidates should try their best to help the entire student body.

“The candidates should be motivated to improve the conditions on this campus for all students, not just specific interests.”

Student Senate Executive Board representative Drake Waters said there are a few requirements to run for Student Senate president.

“You have to serve (on Student Senate) for one year, have a grade-point average above 2.25, get 250 signatures and not be the president of any other organization,” Waters said.

To run for general Student Senate positions, students must have a 2.0 GPA or above and 50 signatures.

Senator Christian Woo, who announced his candidacy last month, said there are 38 total positions available on Student Senate, eight of which are for freshmen.

Students can vote at www.campusservices.upj.pitt.edu.