It helps to put a face with a name Sara Humm said.
Humm, a junior majoring in communication said it was important to get the word out with her campaigning for student body president.
“Some people I talked to didn’t really know who Sara Humm was from shirts and buttons,” Humm said.
This year, both Humm and her opponent Jake McMillian, sophomore, business administration and English major created Facebook pages promoting their candidacy.
Humm also created T-shirts and buttons, gave out candy with vote for Humm stickers and posted pictures of people wearing her campaign gear on Facebook she said.
“I wanted to show that this person is supporting Sara Humm; you should too,” Humm said. “I’m an approachable person.”
Along with a Facebook group, McMillian created posters and put them up around campus. McMillian said that student body president Jason Beers knew a lot of people last year when he was running, so he felt he had to catch attention.
“Sara and I know about the same people,” McMillian said. “I knew if I put out condoms I’d catch attention. Putting my face on a poster with condoms would elicit people knowing me.”
Beers said that campaigning is vital to winning a vote.
“Campaigning lets people know that you’re there and if you do it early it can really help,” Beers said. “If you don’t let everyone know what you’re doing, you’re less likely to win.”
Sara said that since she had campaigned before, she knew she had to catch people’s attention.
“If I’m going to campaign, I want to go all out,” Humm said. “I’m not going to run and not promote myself.”
McMillian said that he started a campaign because Humm had but said that whoever makes the best sign or shirt shouldn’t be who wins.
“I have a lot of experience with student senate,” McMillian said. “I’m dedicated specifically to those students who aren’t heard.”
Humm said that a lot of her motivation came from bridging gaps between athletes and non-athletes as well as between the campus and the city.
“I have been a resident of Ottawa for my entire life,” Humm said. “I know the community well and I’m well networked. I know how to get things done.”
Concern for the little things is atop McMillian’s to do list if he wins the election he said.
“I’d like to see tangible things happen,” McMillian said. ” Organizations like BSU or SWAAN need to have funds to complete their projects. It’s really not about what I want to see, but what the students want to see.”
The student body should base voting on candidates consistency in several categories Beers said.
“Candidates should be caring, campaign hard and want to get something done,” Beers said. “A vote should be based on integrity; is the person in it for themselves or in it to make a difference? I’m thankful for my time and wish them good luck in the experience.”