In the final meeting of the quarter, the Associated Students Legislative Council passed several resolutions concerning elections and campus speakers.

Council members debated a resolution that would keep party names on election ballots, questioning whether or not partisan information negatively affects the way students vote.

Off-campus Representative Fabian Gallardo defended the resolution, noting that party names are common on any election ballot.

“It doesn’t make any sense for there to be no party names on the ballot,” Gallardo said. “Whether it be on a student government ballot or one higher up, party names should be included.”

University-Owned Housing Representative Sammy Maramba-Ferrell, however, said students often vote simply by party affiliation without ever researching candidates.

“We shouldn’t be encouraging students to simplify their vote by allowing them the chance to just vote for an entire party, not knowing the ideals of the specific candidate,” Maramba-Ferrell said. “This is a serious matter; what precedence do we set by encouraging such a resolution?”

Off-campus Representative Abby Cordova also spoke out against the resolution, citing concerns that A.S. could be very influenced by majority parties next year.

Despite concerns, the resolution passed decisively, 15-5.

“This won’t be abolishing party systems or changing the ways people ultimately vote,” Off-campus Rep Jason Lopez said. “It just makes it easier for students in general. Removing party names just doesn’t make sense.”

Among other items, the council passed a resolution encouraging the investigation of student-funded speakers. This decision came from the council in the wake of Karl Rove’s contested speaking appearance at Campbell Hall. Gallardo, the author of the resolution, said he hoped the resolution would persuade stewards of student fees to research what they allocate funds to.

“The Rove situation was a complete pain in the ass,” Gallardo said. “This is just asking for Finance Board to be a little more knowledgeable about whom they want speaking on our campus.”

Representative-at-large Mike Hewitt suggested that groups requesting funding for a speaker be required to approach the council only after having prepared a detailed background for the board to look over.

After discussion, the council passed the resolution.