Welcome to the wild and secretive world of The Machine, the infamous Alabama organization that has been shaping campus and state politics for over a century. With its roots tracing back to the 19th century, this covert coalition of Panhellenic sororities and IFC and NPHC fraternities has operated with varying degrees of secrecy since 1914, wielding its influence over student government elections, homecoming queen selections, and other influential offices both on and off campus. Known for its political prowess and alleged manipulation of the democratic process.
The Alpha Rho chapter of Theta Nu Epsilon, also known as The Machine, was founded at the University of Alabama in 1888. However, its legitimacy was questioned as it was formed without formal permission of the society, and it took several years for it to gain acceptance from the governing authority of the society, the Alpha Chapter at Wesleyan University. Once accepted, the chapter gained recognition from the administration and university community, and in 1905, it hosted its first annual promenade, which became a successful public event. In 1909, The Machine created a new society called The Skulls, exclusively for members of the senior class, replacing the Theta Nu Epsilon chapter. Both The Machine and The Skulls were publicly recognized by the university and appeared annually in the university yearbook.
Over the years, The Machine has gained a reputation for its significant influence over student government elections. It is alleged that The Machine plays a role in selecting and ensuring the election of candidates for the Student Government Association, Homecoming Queen, and other prominent offices on campus. According to their own estimates, The Machine claims to have a "voter block of 8,000 students," showcasing their formidable presence on campus. Some speculate that The Machine even identifies potential candidates for student government positions as early as high school, grooming them for future leadership roles in college.
The Machine's influence over elections has not been without controversy. In August 2013, The Machine came under fire when sororities and fraternities were mobilized to elect two former SGA presidents, Cason Kirby and Lee Garrison, in closely contested municipal school board races. Questions of illegal voter registration arose when evidence surfaced that eleven fraternity members fraudulently claimed to be living in a single house in a specific school district. On election day, leaked emails suggested that sorority/fraternity members may have been provided incentives to vote, including free drinks at local bars. As a result, Kirby's and Garrison's opponents refused to concede, and University of Alabama faculty questioned whether The Machine had corrupted the democratic process in the City of Tuscaloosa.
In 2015, The Machine faced a significant setback when independent student Elliot Spillers was elected as SGA President, defeating their preferred candidate. Spillers' victory was historic, as it marked the first time since Merrill that The Machine had been defeated. However, Spillers' term was marred by political stagnation, including the Senate initially blocking the confirmation of his chief of staff, Chisolm Allenlundy, before the administration was forced to intervene. The incident garnered media attention and renewed calls for action against The Machine from the university administration.
In 2017, The Machine made headlines again when they backed an African American candidate, Jared Hunter, for SGA President for the first time in its history. Hunter publicly acknowledged his support from The Machine in an op-ed for the Crimson White during the campaign season. However, it's rumored that he later had to resign in 2018 over DUI related issues.
Since that date there has been little mention of the machine. Cheers 🍻
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