Student Government Association elections will take place this Tuesday and Wednesday, and students vying for the ability to represent UT student will be go head-to-head in a live debate Monday night.

The debate, which will take place at 8 p.m. in the McClung Museum lecture hall, will be the first true test of the candidates’ platforms and resolve in comparison with their competitors, allowing students the opportunity to determine who the best candidates for SGA really are.

“This is the prime opportunity to not just hear the rehearsed sales pitches of candidates, but to find out who can face the tough questions and issues with solid answers and ideas,” said Kelsey Keny, current president of SGA. “Whether you’ve heard from all the candidates or not, this event is a game changer in allowing students to be informed voters.”

Here is what the candidates had to say about their preparation and talking points for the debate:

Connect UT

Mariah Beane, Connect’s candidate for student services director, said her campaign has been analyzing the debate format and staying on top of current events in order to make sure they are able to address the needs of the students who come.

“Given the concerns we have heard from students, I believe that safety in its many facets is a priority,” Beane said. “I would like to focus on how best SGA can grant for the safety of all, whether it be through our policy point of the Fort Sanders Task Force or through specific workings of Student Services committees.”

Connect candidate for president Will Freeman said he wants to use the debate to not only address concerns, but also emphasize that he has experience in the organization and knows how it runs.

“I simply want to show students that I have the experience within SGA, the experience across campus, and the drive to work hard for my fellow students,” Freeman said.

Hawkins-Kiefer

Grayson Hawkins, the only candidate in the Hawkins-Kiefer campaign, said he intends to stick to his main platform points including sexual assault prevention, campus beautification and the disconnect between SGA and the student body while drawing the audience’s attention to the flaws in his competitor’s campaign promises.

“I think everyone who has looked past each campaign’s outward appearance can tell how I compare to the competition,” Hawkins said. “It’s also worth noting that I’ll be the only candidate out there who isn’t Greek or already in the current SGA. That being said, I know I can further UT with the plans outlined in my platform, and I have the entire student body in mind, not just those of student organizations.”

Seth, Leala, and Willie

Leala Marlin, the vice presidential candidate of the Seth, Leala, Willie campaign, said the trio has prepared for the debate format by practicing mock debates and watching past SGA debates while making sure their answers to any possible question are airtight.

“One of the things I am most passionate about that our campaign is working on is the initiative to better communication amongst students and to do everything possible to ensure the safety of the students here,” Marlin said. “I think it’s going to be a fantastic debate.”