The Associated Students of the University of New Mexico tabled an election for a President Pro Tempore after five Senator's did not attend a special meeting.
Absences from Nolan McKim, Dequez Irving, Gabriel Ruja, Deavon Vigilant and Ashley Varela during the special meeting on Saturday, Aug. 17, caused a 10-5 split and pushed the election to Aug. 28.
The President Pro Tempore position is elected at the start of every semester. They are second in-line in the legislative branch of ASUNM. They are responsible for enforcing office hours and act as a non-voting member of a committee of their choosing.
Senator Erik Neal suggested tabling the election at the onset of debate. Neal and fellow first-year Senator Abigale Aldrich said they wanted to ensure the absent senators' opinions were heard and that they had the chance to participate in the election.
Senator Michel Rivera, another first year senator, said that since the special meeting was meant for a Pro Tempore election and since the meeting was scheduled months in advance, it was the absent senators' prerogative to attend the meeting and vote should be had then.
The motion to table the election was brought by Senator Nieajua Gonzalez. Senator’s Gregory Romero, Adam Lopez, Xavier Torres, Matthew Zank and Rivera voted against the motion.
Justin Garcia is the editor in chief of the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Just516garc.
