The two parties running in the University of Maryland’s SGA elections are relying on vastly different funding sources, according to the preliminary finance reports released Monday.
The Unity Party has raised $1,800 to date, all contributed by three of the party’s executive candidates, while the One Party has raised about $1,500 spread out among 33 donors.
The Unity Party ticket, which has 12 total members running and is led by students who are not currently affiliated with the Student Government Association, has only reported three donations, each made Feb. 15. These donations came from three of the four executive candidates, who each put up $600 — the maximum amount they are allowed to contribute under SGA election rules.
[Read More: UMD SGA announces parties and candidates for the 2017-18 school year]
Kay Barwell, who is running for student body president, is the only executive candidate on the Unity Party ticket who has not contributed money, according to the report.
The Unity Party’s current funds fall just below the $2,000 fundraising and spending cap the SGA established. The party has spent $196.71 so far, primarily on art supplies, candy for Easter eggs and name tags for candidates.
The One Party, which has 39 total members running as well as executive candidates who are all current SGA members, has received contributions from 33 individuals. All but seven were made by students who are on the One Party ticket, slotted for both executive and legislative positions.
The One Party has raised $1,545 so far, and spent $659.99. The money went toward a website, postcards and T-shirts, according to the report. SGA student affairs vice president A.J. Pruitt, who is running for student body president, put up $500.
Twenty-four of the contributions are for $25 and came primarily from students who are running for legislative positions, which each represent a college or a residential area.
Financial Affairs Vice President candidate Alia Abdelkader, a current member of the SGA finance committee, contributed $100. Chris Ricigliano, the SGA legislative speaker running for student affairs vice president, gave $70.
Current SGA sustainability director Christine Hagan, who is running for academic affairs vice president, has not made a contribution.
The seven unaffiliated contributions totaled $300 and came primarily from people currently serving on the SGA. Student Groups Defender Michael Trim, Director of Information Technology Adam Hemmeter, Co-Director of Sustainability Willem Klajbor, Director of Student Groups Huw Ball and Director of City Affairs Chris Keosian each gave $35.
Daniel First, an unaffiliated candidate running for the Off-Campus – Neighboring legislative positions, has not raised any money to date, but plans to spend $70, according to his report. Chris Boretti, the unaffiliated freshman finance major running for student body president, reported $8.25 in non-monetary contributions. He estimated that would be the market value of one hour of Facebook page design.
SGA elections will be held between April 19 and April 21.