Student Association senators are already gearing up for next spring’s election, devoting about half of their Monday meeting to tweaking minor rules on campaign spending records.

The SA Senate overwhelmingly voted to amend the organization’s bylaws after a 30-minute debate that centered on whether candidates should submit receipts of their campaign spending online or by hand.

In past years, students turned in their forms in person, but senators argued that graduate students shouldn’t have to come to campus to submit nearly blank financial reports, since most run unopposed and spend nothing on their campaigns.

Senators ultimately allowed the Joint Election Committee to decide on a case-by-case basis. JEC investigators can ask specific candidates to show the original receipts in person only if necessary.

Sen. Paul Asercion, ESIA-U, said he wanted to bring up the policies early so that all candidates were aware before declaring their candidacy. The SA election typically occurs in March, though last year’s took place in February.

“I think this will streamline the process for students who do not spend any money and it will be an improvement,” Sen. Nora Albert, SPHHS-G, said during debate.