More than 30 percent of students voted in yesterday’s Georgetown University Student Association senate elections, an increase from last fall’s 5.63 percent rate and a historically high turnout for the typically low-key competition.

Fall GUSA elections rarely attract more than a quarter of the student population, particularly in the fall when no presidential candidates are on the ballot, according to GUSA Election Commissioner Grady Willard (SFS ’18). Turnout soared in areas of campus populated by sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as off campus. Turnout was slightly down overall among freshmen.

The slate of senators-elect for the 2016-2017 school year also appears more diverse than past sessions with regard to race, ethnicity, sex and gender identity. The diverse candidate pool fulfills efforts by GUSA leadership to make the student organization more reflective of the student body.

Willard attributed the increased engagement among upperclassmen to efforts by GUSA President Kamar Mack (COL ’18) and Vice President Jessica Andino (COL ’19) encouraging more students to get involved. There also were no uncontested seats, a common problem in recent years.

Turnout reaches 30% in GUSA Senate elections. Must be a record.

— GUSA Elections (@GUSAElections) September 29, 2017

The senators-elect will be sworn into their positions in a formal ceremony Sunday at 6 p.m.

This article will be updated when full election results have been released.