Happy campaign week! Not really.
Today starts the longest and most annoying week of the year at LMU, ASLMU Elections. I say this having campaigned as a Senatorial candidate 3 years ago, being a campaign manager for 2 years and serving as the Election Chair; so I have been in the business of annoying students in past elections. Rather than hearing empty promises and candidates drone on and on this week, here are four quick ways to avoid the candidates:
1. Do not go to convo - You may think this is easier said than done, but actually it's quite easy to do. The hot spots during convo are Alumni Mall, the Lair and the Lair Patio. Apparently candidates' canvassing to hit up students for votes is concentrated in this area.
2. Sport those elusive white earbuds - based on a makeshift experience I did a few years ago I find that walking around campus with your iPod, that's a sign that you do not want to be bothered and you'll be avoided. So if #1 is too difficult, listening to your iPod is a safe bet.
3. Go to the gym - The gym is one of the "safe zones" on campus during campaign week. Years ago, campaigning at the gym was not allowed so the gym became a "safe zone" from annoying campaigning (because working out is serious business). So if you're thinking about getting in shape or shedding a few pounds, this would be a great week to start!
4. Use the "I'm in a rush!" line - There are times where encountering the candidate is inevitable. However, you can get out of it quickly. I have encountered solicitors, and many surprisingly are polite. They'll ask me if I have a moment and I'll respond with a guilty look, "I'm really sorry but I'm in a rush." Then they let me go on my merry way. Candidates don't want to get a potential voter angry so they'll honor your request and desist.
Use these four tools wisely and campaign week and voting will be just an afterthought.
--- Faiza Mokhtar
"Beating the Election" is a week-long series that takes the unconventional and satirical route in understanding this year's ASLMU elections.
2009-03-24
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3 comments:
How bout some constructive criticism instead of contributing to the easy cliche that leads to further downplay of a great resource on campus?
I totally agree. I cannot beleive someone would write something like this when we have two amazing and very experienced tickets to choose from for the future of ASLMU
there's nothing wrong with someone writing something like this. unfortunately, apathy is the sentiment of most people. this article is merely an honest admission to that.
you can't deny that campaigning can get bring out pushy personalities competing to snag votes. that's sometimes not pleasant, especially when you already know the issues and know who to vote for. i see no fault in the playful avoidance of campaigners, especially by someone who is already quite involved with campus government.
the only part on which i agree with the 2 anonymous comments above is in the last sentence. voting should never be an afterthought.
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