Today, the student voice at Penn State enters a new era.

The new University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) -- the organization that replaced the 44-year-old Undergraduate Student Government (USG) -- is holding its first election.

"People should vote because this could possibly be the single most important election in the history of representation at Penn State," Jay Bundy, a UPUA presidential candidate, said. "It is vital that we handpick candidates with a plan to execute their platform."

To vote, log on to www.vote.psu.edu between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. today.

"The ballot will be configured for you," Ashley Hill, UPUA elections commissioner, said. "Who you can vote for depends on your school of study and your area of living."

Anyone can vote for at-large spots and the presidential ticket.

The three presidential and vice presidential tickets are Bundy/Chris Brink, Jay Chamberlin/Mitchell Witmer-Belding and Mike Hines/Harry Saylor.

An entry box for write-in campaigns is also provided.

"There are always people who put in random silly names like 'Winnie the Pooh,' " Katie Vogel, UPUA elections commissioner, said. "I think it's funny actually."

Vogel said the goal is to announce the winner by midnight, but there may be delays.

"It all depends on if there's a lot of write-ins to count or if we have computer or technical difficulties," she said. "If it's anything like Webmail 2..."

The results will be announced at a party in the Alumni Hall in HUB-Robeson Center, which will begin at 10:30 p.m.

Vogel said the results may also be available on the UPUA Web site, www.clubs.psu.edu/up/upua.

The candidates will also be speaking between noon and 1 p.m. today at the HUB balcony about how their platforms will increase student engagement as part of the Social Awareness Committee's perspective mic.

All candidates said they are confident in their chances of winning the elections but have contemplated what to do if they are defeated.

"If I don't win, I'll be very disappointed," Chamberlin said. "I will try to fill one of the vacant seats and get appointed there. I would still like to be involved with the group."

Bundy settled on a different approach.

"I'll probably go home and take a really long nap," he said. "I'll take a day off, and go back to being the president of [the Penn State chapter of] the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. But, we are going to win, so I don't have to worry about it."

He added that if his ticket doesn't win, he might try to get involved in the Undergraduate Student Government (USG).

Despite disputes in the past regarding the way UPUA was brought to existence, the candidates agree that all animosity should be set aside.

"There's not only room on this campus for two presidents, but there's a need for two presidents," Bundy said. "The process that brought about UPUA sucked, but we're stuck with it, and we'll have to deal with it."

Hines said all students should have a chance to have their voices heard.

"I feel they should have a say in who represents them. It's the first UPUA elections," he said. "It shall be a day that I won't forget for a while."