As the elections began Tuesday, negative campaign fliers could be seen around campus.

The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) elections kicked off March 23 at 8 a.m., and unknown culprits had placed fliers near and in the McKee Fisk, McLane Hall and Speech Arts buildings.

Some of the fliers told voters who not to vote for, while others made accusations about candidate ideologies.

Article XII, the Election Code, of ASI’s bylaws makes no mention of negative campaigns of any kind. It does, however, state, “A copy of all campaign materials used by a candidate must carry stamped approval by the Associated Students, Inc. Office before Distribution.”

Gary Nelson, the advisor to ASI, said slanderous or smear campaigns may have to be dealt with through future bylaws. In the meantime, he said, finding the culprit will be difficult.

“It’s hard to identify who may be doing that,” Nelson said.

The Student Court, which hears cases on campaign violations, ruled Tuesday that election candidates and their associates are allowed to remove negative campaign fliers if they do not carry the name or slogan of a candidate. The court also found a candidate, accused of putting such fliers up, “not at fault.”

Johnathon Thompson, ASI senator for the College of Science and Mathematics, said he was contacted by one of his constituents concerning a potential smear campaign. Thompson said that he was notified by another student at around 10:30 p.m. Monday that a 6-foot tall blond male was seen in the Speech Arts building with a stapler and fliers.

“He asked if any of the candidates would have done this,” Thompson said. “I told him the only person who would have fit that description was Cole [Rojewski].”

Cole Rojewski, presidential candidate and ASI’s Chief of Staff, said he had no involvement with any of the posted fliers, and came to campus after he received a call about the fliers.

“It’s sad to see it on campus,” Rojewski said. “We want the elections to be spirited and uplifting, and fun for all students. This isn’t it.”

Rojewski said the court’s ruling was just, but that ASI needs stronger bylaws that curb smear campaigns. He said he didn’t anticipate that the incident would affect his campaign.

Pedro Ramirez, presidential candidate and the senator at large for parking and safety, was the victim of many of the posted fliers. He said he was targeted because he has a viable chance to win the nomination, and that the culprits felt threatened by him.

“I’m flattered that they went to this great length,” Ramirez said.

ASI elections have had its share of snags in recent history. In April 2009, a slate of candidates was disqualified for a slew of violations.

Alex Andreotti, presidential candidate and executive vice president of ASI, said she would prefer that candidates not campaign negatively.

Cody Madsen, presidential candidate and the senator at large for residence, said he hoped that the signs did not come from one of the other candidates.

“I’m a little disheartened that people my age are taking part in this kind of politics,” Madsen said.