Students will select the next pair to lead the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) today after more than two weeks of intense campaigning by presidential hopefuls.

The six executive tickets running for USG president and vice president have vowed to address safety concerns, foster diversity and tackle rising tuition rates once in office.

Current USG President Ian Rosenberger said he expects a close race this year because there are a few very strong tickets.

"The nice thing about the platform goals this year is a lot of them continue some of the goals [USG Vice President Takkeem Morgan] and I have been working on," Rosenberger said. "We have some candidates that are really open to adjusting and transitioning from this year to the next, so we can get a continuum from this year to next."

Rosenberger added that some of the candidates' platform goals are more researched than others are.

He said USG needs a leader who is passionate, flexible and willing to listen to student's concerns.

Rosenberger said it is easy for newcomers to get caught up in USG politics once in office, but they need to remember their first obligation is to the students.

"To remember that that is their job above all else, to create an inclusive community," Rosenberger said.

Morgan said it is important for the candidates to work with other people in order to accomplish their goals, instead of working individually.

Rosenberger added that leading USG is a two-sided job. He said the next president and vice president would have to react to the needs of the student body in addition to achieving platform goals.

Students can vote online from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. today at www.vote. psu.edu or on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Senate President Erin Ferris said the Senate originally voted against having a public polling place because last year's polling place was not highly publicized, and it was expensive to pay poll workers.

Ferris said elections commissioners are running the polls this year to eliminate this cost.

"Any way we can make sure that people are out and voting is the best thing," Ferris said.

Head Elections Commissioner Tim Dorman said it is very important for students to vote in USG elections.

"This is their opportunity to put someone in office who has a large voice and will advocate for student rights," Dorman said.

A record 9,148 students voted in last year's election. A little more than 7,000 students voted in the 2002 elections.

In addition to the six executive tickets, 12 students are running for 27 seats in the USG Senate. Students can write in unofficial candidates on the ballot but must spell names correctly.

Other candidates are seeking membership in the University Park Allocation Committee and the Association of Residence Hall Students.