Those interested in running for a position in the University of Iowa Student Government this spring will face much stricter campaign rules than in previous elections.

Roughly 30 students declared their interest Monday night to run for either a legislative or executive position in next year’s UISG.

The meeting covered what steps interested students must take to get on the ballot. Peter Chalik, the Student Election Board commissioner, said there are also some minor changes to the election bylaws this year.

These stricter rules clarify that candidates cannot supply voters with a means of voting during the voting period, such as handing them a phone or laptop.

Additionally, candidates must refrain from campaigning in common areas, specifically ones with access to computers, such as ITCs and the IMU.

According to the bylaws, the definition of campaigning ranges from wearing a party T-shirt to tweeting or creating a Facebook status expressing an opinion of a party.

“Ultimately, the whole party is held accountable,” Chalik said. “Both parties have to work together to ensure everybody follows the rules.”

Each eligible candidate must submit a $100 bond in order to run for UISG, which they agree to forfeit if they violate the rules.

Campaigning is allowed from April 1-9. Campaigning before or after this period is not allowed.

Students wishing to run must have attended Monday’s meeting or may attend a secondary meeting at 4 p.m. Friday in 348 IMU. Otherwise they must meet with the elections commissioner privately.

Two students said they plan on running for executive positions this year.

Aaron Horsfield, the current UISG speaker of the Senate, said he plans to run for president alongside current Sen. Jostna Dash.            

“I’m excited to move Iowa forward,” said Horsfield, who has participated in the last two student-government elections.

Dash is the president of the Indian Student Alliance at Iowa as well as a resident assistant at Stanley Hall.

“I want to focus on diversity at Iowa and to help give a voice to diversity students on campus,” Dash said.

Horsfield said he couldn’t disclose the name of the party or details about the platform yet.

However, UISG President Nic Pottebaum said he believes that the I-party — the party elected to serve UISG’s current academic year — will not be on this year’s ticket.

No other students have identified themselves as executive candidates yet.

Candidates running for an executive position must acquire 300 valid undergraduate signatures by 4 p.m. March 13, when they’ll be submitted to the UI Office of the Registrar for validation.

Students wishing to run for a Senate seat must acquire 75 valid undergraduate signatures.

Ultimately, Chalik said, it’s the candidates’ responsibility to know the rules and to follow them.

“I hope to make this election as fair as possible,” he said, but he also emphasized candidates’ responsibilities. “Your actions can affect your whole party.”