SG hopefuls dispense swag, speak with students
Despite the ominous, gray skies that hung over the Russell House patio Wednesday, seven candidates running for executive positions in Student Government continued their tireless courtship of voters for next week’s election.
Those tabling included treasurer candidates Haley Guyton and Brandon White, vice presidential candidates Ryan Bailey and Courtland Thomas and presidential candidate Joshua “Otter” Moore, along with representatives from the campaigns of Kenneth Bragg and Chase Mizzell, both running for president.
Students filtered in and out of the patio area, beckoned to the tables by the enthusiastic calls of the candidates. Many came to find out a little more about the names they’ll see on the ballot next week, while others came for the free stuff.
Haley Guyton, a second-year public relations student, used a friendly face and some Valentine’s Day–themed swag to attract potential voters to her table, while treasurer candidate Brandon White, a third-year sociology student, used a display of sweets and the campaign slogan “Unity, Students, Diversity, Sponsorship” to sway voters. Treasurer candidate Caroline Hendricks, a third-year biology and European studies student, was not present at the event.
Two of the four vice presidential candidates set up displays on the patio to attract interest in their campaigns. Second-year political science student Ryan Bailey boasted a table full of sunglasses with a Ray Ban–inspired logo, which students could claim after signing up for an email list. Bailey’s campaign will send out a mass email the night before the election to remind students to vote, he said.
Second-year marketing student Courtland Thomas, also running for vice president, put his resources to good use, popping fresh popcorn for passersby while explaining his gender-inclusion and parking plans.
Presidential candidate and third-year history student Joshua “Otter” Moore used a less elaborate tabling technique, sporting simply a white banner with “OTTER” spray-painted in neon green. He spoke with students about his platform and ideas for the future of SG, and said he is most concerned with students’ rights and safety.
Third-year economics student Kenneth Bragg was in class during the meet-and-greet period, but his campaign team was present to share his ideas with voters. The team members said they felt they have a fair chance going into next week’s race, according to campaign manager Ryan West.
And although third-year international business student Chase Mizzell was giving prospective students tours as a University Ambassador, members of his campaign team were also available to explain his platform and provide voters with logo-stamped stickers and cups.
Students will have the opportunity to vote on these candidates in the upcoming election, held Feb. 19 and 20 online through VIP.