Much like their real-world counterparts, UF's student political parties and their candidates are out to win, using tactics to gain an extra edge and stirring up controversy in the process. While the campaigning season began on Jan. 27, some party leaders argue their opponent began campaigning prematurely.
SG elections will be held on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.
The Orange and Blue Party filed 13 election violations in one day against the Progress Party last week.
SG's Supervisor of Elections Dan Siegel said accusations include illegal campaigning and announcements made by the Progress Party members on Facebook.
SG's Elections Commission will meet Monday to determine whether or not the charges have consequences, Siegel said, adding it was "pretty frivolous" to file so many violations the first day.
Orange and Blue Party Sen. Sam Miorelli, who filed the complaints, said some dated back to actions taken in late last fall.
"If you want an unfair advantage where you get to steal the election, you do something like this," he said. "This is unacceptable and unfair."
The Progress Party's Student Body presidential candidate, Sen. Ben Dictor, said he believes the violations were filed in retaliation to his as well as other Progress Party members leaving the Orange and Blue Party.
"We left the party for these reasons," he said. "Frankly, I think the Orange and Blue members who filed the violations are trying to muscle us out of the election."
Meanwhile, Unite Party presidential candidate Jordan Johnson has spoken with more than 10 UF organizations starting mid-January, which include the Black Student Union, sorority and fraternity houses, the Jewish Student Union, the Hispanic Students Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
"I made sure to follow the rules," Johnson said, adding he wasn't promoting himself or the party, but told students about slating and the importance of the upcoming election.
Dictor and the Orange and Blue Party's presidential candidate Sen. Mark McShera said they have also visited different student groups.
Dictor said the Progress Party is targeting smaller groups, such as UF's video game club, which are often looked over.
He also said two Progress Party members visited spots around campus, asking random students their input on varying issues, which the party will take into consideration when completing its platform.
Despite any conflict, the Internet has also provided a more new-age and cost-effective outlet for political parties to reach their student constituents.
Facebook, Web sites and even a YouTube video have all been used as a free source to gain student support.
"We're running on people power," Dictor said, joking about how he asked his dad for $20,000 for the campaign and was turned down.
"Student Government shouldn't be reserved for the financial elite who can afford to buy votes" he said. "(Facebook) is very available and very affordable."
Both the Unite Party and the Orange and Blue Party have a Web site and a Facebook group, as well. The Keg Party plans to put up its Facebook page within the next week, Walch said. McShera said members of the Orange and Blue Party have even used their statuses to get the word out.
"Our statuses show enthusiasm and are a great way to activate our social network," he said.
Meanwhile Unite Party President Will Harrell posted a Youtube video in the party's Facebook group.
"We've received a lot of feedback," said Harrell, the star of the video. "So there are more to come in the future."
The Keg Party, which is running candidates for the executive ticket but not for Senate seats, also plans to use creative tactics to reach the student body, the party's presidential candidate, Frank Walch, said.
Walch said he has proposed placing a root beer keg in Turlington Plaza to the Dean of Students Office.
