Student Government political parties can now campaign 30 days before an election.
The UF Supreme Court unanimously struck down the seven-day “campaigning” restriction Wednesday in a hearing to determine the constitutionality of the election codes.
The court ruled that the definitions of “campaigning” and “campaign activity” were too ambiguous and identical in wording.
“We are resolving the ambiguities of the law in a way that embraces the most lenient standard possible,” said Chief Justice Matt Michel during the hearing.
Students Party counsel Victor Olivieri argued that the time frames of the election codes were unlawful and restricted free speech. He said the Swamp Party and its presidential candidate, Christina Bonarrigo, were in violation of the seven-day campaigning period when she announced her candidacy on Turlington Plaza Jan. 24.
The Students Party cited five complaints to the Supreme Court. Friday, the court heard the first, which requested a cease and desist against Bonarrigo. The court ruled against the Students Party.
Contact Colleen Wright at cwright@alligator.org.
