With the April 3 election of Noam Berns as student senate president, the Pitt Johnstown students now have an opportunity to choose student senators.

Starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday and ending at 10 p.m. today, student senate candidates compete for 28 open seats. According to an email from Elections Chairman Christian Woo senator candidates’ numbers are down from last year with 41 applicants compared with last years 50 candidates.

Woo explained that incumbency provides no advantage in the election.

“I am expecting to see a lot of senators who have served this past year to run again but also to see some new faces as well,” said Woo.

To run for the student senate, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 and get 75 student signatures on petitions to be listed on ballots.

First-time candidates could be seen last week gathering signatures and describing their platforms.

First-time candidate Lindsay Romah said she plans to run on specific issues.

“I’m disappointed that there was no spring concert this year. I’ve also had some bad experiences with the cafeteria food, and the parking on campus is horrible,” said Romah.

Former student government President Cliff Maloney said that, with the increased candidate numbers there will be more awareness of student government.

“The awareness raised by the campaigns of the (candidates) helps the student government to be much more effective,” said the Maloney.

The student government consists of a president, vice president and 36 senators. In addition to the 28 seats currently up for election, there will be eight seats reserved for freshman next fall.

The election results are to be announced by mass email Thursday or Friday this week.