The recent SGA officer election garnered 308 votes from the student body, 5.04 percent, a decrease from last year’s 488 votes, said David Petty, elections committee chair. The decrease follows a drop in voter turnout from 594 votes in 2011 to 488 votes in the 2012 election, said SGA adviser Tammy Jacques in a previous interview with The Flor-Ala.

Petty said the organization did what it could to promote the election this year.

“We did our part, as far as PR goes,” he said. “And the candidates were great about getting the word out.”

Four of the five executive positions were uncontested, while two candidates sought the vice president of SGA Senate seat.

With 184 of 308 total votes, Nikki Messer was elected the new vice president of Senate March 13.

Messer said she is “truly honored” to be elected the next vice president of Senate.

“I’m really excited and happy that the students believe that I will represent them well,” she said.

Laura Giles was elected SGA president, Walter Hartley was elected vice president of UPC, KeKe Greer was elected secretary and Elizabeth Tyson was elected treasurer.

“Laura will do a fantastic job (as president),” said Will Riley, current SGA president. “She’s working alongside a terrific executive board, and I think she will exceed everyone’s expectations.”

Messer said she feels like the campaign process was fun and has afforded her many opportunities to connect with other students on campus.

“I definitely don’t want to let them down,” she said. “My slogan was ‘Make It Messer,’ and my campaign team worked hard to help me.”

She said she’s looking forward to the upcoming year.

“I’m super excited for the other executive members that are coming on,” she said.

Greer, uncontested candidate for secretary, said she is also excited and hopes to keep the prestige of her position intact over the next year.

“The current secretary has done a good job,” she said. “I want to keep up the same work and make sure we’re following the Code of Laws.”

Messer said she and her opposing candidate, student senator Sarah Emerson, both ran clean campaigns and supported each other throughout the election period.

“I look forward to working with her in Senate next year,” she said. “She really is a great leader.”

Messer and the candidates elected to other SGA offices will assume their new roles later this semester.