Associated Students, Inc. board members approved format changes to the election ballot during their meeting on Wednesday, March 9.

The changes, which were recommended by Vice President of Academic Affairs Tucker Caruso, received a majority support after a show of hands by ASI board members.

The new election ballot will have a candidate’s partial statement on the first page with a “see more” link. The link will then open a new page with the candidate’s full statement and photo. The candidate’s name will also be moved to the top of each candidate’s statement.

The current format has each candidate’s photo with their name underneath and a “click for more information” link to their full statement.

“It removes the bias for photos. You get more of a candidate’s statement. It’s not bad for mobile,” Aryn Fields, vice president of finance, said. “And, personally, I like the name being at the top.”

A few of the board members questioned why both the candidate’s photo and statement could not be on the same page. Caruso explained it is mostly due to mobile formatting.

“The issue with this is it would make it very hard to view on mobile devices,” Caruso said. “The width of the screen will not allow you to have all the candidate’s statement and the picture. It will [not be] beneficial for someone.”

Ultimately, to have both a candidate’s photo and statement on one page was not an option.

“I do like [the new format]. It puts the candidate statement first and foremost,” Faculty Senate Designee Reza Peigahi said. “It lets students, then, choose to see more about what that student platform may be. This allows your constituents to make an informed decision based on not how gorgeous you are, but rather solely on your platform.”

The election ballot changes will take effect for the upcoming ASI elections in April.