Election season continues locally as the Associated Students of UNM has 10 open Senate seats up for a vote Nov. 19.
But the student government elections aren't drawing nearly as much attention as those of Nov. 4.
ASUNM introduced more than 20 candidates Monday to an empty SUB Atrium.
Two slates, PEAK and VOICE, each presented 10 candidates, and there was one independent candidate.
Alex Riebli, ASUNM vice president, said the group lobbies for funds and benefits for the student body and that students ought to take an interest in the candidates on this semester's ballot.
"The Senate is in charge of doing things behind the scenes, passing legislation, appropriating money in the background of student organizations," he said. "Any person involved or (who) wants to be involved should know that it's important who you vote for because of the fact that ASUNM Senate appropriates over $800,000 of student fees to the student programs that they are involved in."
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Joseph Dworak, who has served as a senator for three terms and is running on the PEAK slate, said students should educate themselves on the candidates' platforms and vote for those who best represent their concerns.
"I think the biggest issue with ASUNM right now is students don't realize the impact that they can have within the University," he said. "Often it is hard for the administration to get the voice of the students. ASUNM is an outlet for the students' voice."
Dworak said the PEAK slate will address alternative transportation - making UNM a more bike-friendly campus, increasing information about public transportation and advocating campus planning that will directly benefit students. He said PEAK candidates plan to find more ways to raise money for student groups.
Abdullah Feroze, another PEAK candidate, said the slate would like to raise student fees from $20 to $23 so more money could be provided to groups.
"The student fee hasn't been raised in about a decade," he said. "There is an increasing number of the student groups on campus. If we gradually raise the fee, it will help students understand the need for funding and help fund the student groups."
PEAK's platform also includes lobbying the University to increase student workers' minimum wage, pushing for no increase in tuition credit and ensuring the Lottery Scholarship remains available, Dworak said.
Adrian Carver, who is running on the VOICE slate, said senators from VOICE will work to increase the level of student awareness about their campus government.
"We really want to make sure the student voice is really represented loudly with respect to a lot of the changes that are being made and that students have the access to what they need to succeed," he said.
Carver said the slate will focus on ensuring that building and programs - like those at Student Services - are beneficial to the students.
He said they will also work with the state Legislature to get funding for capital projects and try to reform the parking and shuttle system.
In addition to PEAK and VOICE, students have the option to vote for independent candidates.
John Knowles, an independent candidate, said he is running for Senate because ASUNM would benefit from a more diverse representation of students.
"There is a gap between the people who are usually on ASUNM and the concerns of students who are unaware of what ASUNM does for students," Knowles said. "I have a lot of ideas, and these people have a lot of ideas. The problem is that no one actually shares their ideas with anyone else."
