Election time is just around the corner for open BCSGA positions at Bakersfield College, such as Director of Student Organization, Fund Manager, and other vacant senator-at-large positions. Candidate information sessions are being held until Mar. 14. They are providing any ideas for any students looking to run, like where to start and how to grow a healthy campaign on campus.

Students, such as Hugo Garcia, were one of many students who have been visiting the sessions to get information on how to become a candidate.

When asked if he had any experience in student organizations or if he’d been in any student governments during his time at school, Garcia stated, “No I haven’t, to be honest I never had any experience. But I’m looking to run now because I’m looking to get more involved, and I want to be part of the school’s events and community. Of course, it’s something new but it seems interesting, and I’m excited to start my campaign, I just hope people vote for me.” Hugo responds.

Lily Linares and Julianna Mullen were two of the BCSGA members who hosted the session. They answered questions for anyone that needed advice on how to run a clean and healthy campaign, without resulting in disqualification.

Some of the topics covered were about how to become a qualifying candidate, the rules you must follow (including the dos and don’ts when running for elections), being approved to start campaigning, how donations work, and the important dates through the election cycle.

Though sessions are starting to wind down, Linares and Mullen feel like this is an event one must attend, not only to start your campaigning career, but because it’s also mandatory for anyone trying to run. This is because not attending one of the sessions will automatically disqualify you.

Linares is impressed by the student turnout, as she said, “We have been getting a lot of students coming into the info sessions, and they’re coming into the physical session more than the zoom ones, which is always a positive thing to see!”