During the last ASUAF election, a lot was said about the failures of the senate and the elections board to organize an effective environment for student elections. Little advertising had been done and the candidate forum received little attention. Around $500 was poured into an election that resulted in only 127 votes, only 2% of the student body. I ran for senate and won with only 99 votes.

This time around, ASUAF is putting a lot more focus on advertising. In addition, candidates for senate have to receive 100 petition signatures to be placed on the ballot, as compared to the 25 last time. But now that the organization has stepped up its efforts for increased voter turnout, I think it's time to look at what the candidates need to do.

Let me explain how I won last time. I did nothing. I put up three obscure posters that no one understood (a cat jumping over a tank) and gave a speech to an empty room at the candidates' forum. I submitted my bio to the Sun Star and to ASUAF for the ballot. That was it. And I came in fourth place.

What should be done instead? First off, challengers need to step forward and make incumbent candidates work for their votes. Incumbents have an advantage since the word "incumbent" is put next to their name on the ballot, and as such they have less reason to compete. If no challenge exists, they can coast fairly easily into office. Challengers should instead stay true to their description. They should take stances on issues and should grill the incumbents whenever possible. Don't be afraid to make firm judgments and to campaign for what you want.

Secondly, candidates need to remember that voting is irrational, especially for ASUAF. Will it really make a huge difference in a student's life who is elected student president? The answer is no, because the government already has very little affect on student lives. In order to overcome this irrationality, candidates need to mobilize the electorate.

How do candidates mobilize voters? By talking to them. Social networks like clubs tend to be the open to mobilization efforts. Candidates should also look at their petitions as an excuse for talking to voters rather than red tape. When you ask someone to sign, tell him or her who you are and what you stand for. Chat them up. Don't just feed them the same rhetoric about "standing for the students" that everyone else does. Tell them what type of projects you would like to see worked on.

And if you have some money to spare, why not go all out? Make business cards! Print up posters! Get a table in the Wood Center and serve cake! Personally, I'd love to see a candidate make posters bigger than Xerox paper.

These are just a few ideas. Some may seem too big, but I ask you, why are they too big? Is it because they really are, or is it because no one's ever tried it before?

Nate Raymond is no longer an ASUAF senator but continues to promote student interest and involvement in the student government.

Comment on this story...