Every year, twice a year, there comes a time when our campus seems overrun with crazed Greeks in matching t-shirts carrying an arsenal of stickers and flyers. Yes, I am referring to election season. Only the most fun time of each semester -- yet, it seems almost everyone in participation is annoyed by the situation. So why do we do it?
Contrary to popular belief, these elections are more than cute stickers, Instagram pictures, or even alpacas. Student body elections actually have the potential to change our school for the better. While some campaigners could care less who wins, there are a percentage who honestly want the benefits that their candidate promises to bring along with them. Yet, campaigns are still full of thoughts of resentment and annoyance.
Thoughts of girls in sororities running campaigns:
"What's a free speech zone?"
"It's 6 a.m. and entirely too early to be peppy."
"Here, take this sticker; take it, TAKE IT."
"Okay, wait, he's cute. I'm gonna go give him a sticker (opposing candidate gets there first) -- great."
"If we're running an unopposed campaign, why are we doing this again?"
"Obviously, my candidate should win, she's way cuter than the other guy"
Thoughts of a non-campaigner:
"Avoid the Union Plaza, the Circle, and the Walkway of Terror at all costs, today."
"Yay, another sticker to add to my collection of the 10 currently adhered to my shirt, but of course I wanted another."
"I am obviously wearing a sticker of the opposing candidate and yet you're trying to sticker me anyway; cool."
"One's after me -- run, run, run!"
Why we do it:
Elections on a school campus seem completely focused on which candidate is in what sorority or fraternity. And there is often the assumption that if you the candidate is in a certain sorority or fraternity they will autonatically win. No one asks what makes them the better candidate or why they should vote for them. Instead, people avoid the chaos at all costs, and usually do not even vote. The system is flawed, and sometimes the vote goes to someone just because of their Greek affiliation.
As a participant in one campaign, and a current campaign leader of another, I feel like I have some wisdom to share with the Ole Miss student body for this upcoming election. One word: vote. Do not be a bystander. Your vote counts, your influence counts, but most importantly, this election counts for the future of our campus. So don't avoid the Union Plaza on March 3.
Go up to one of those crazed campaigners and ask tough questions about their candidate. Listen to what they have to say and make a decision based on values and promises, not sticker designs or Greek houses. Listen to the candidates speeches at noon on March 3. Wear their sticker only if you are in true support. And walk through the walkway of terror with your head held high because, rather than avoiding the situation, you know who you are voting for and why, and it is no longer an intimidating day. Make your vote count.
