Armed with flyers and chalk, Student Council candidates spent the early hours of yesterday morning advertising, kicking off six days of campaigning before voting opens Tuesday.
Election rules stipulated that candidates were not allowed to begin advertising until midnight.
As soon as the clock struck 12 a.m., candidates began chalking and fliering around heavy-traffic areas, including the Lawn, Newcomb Hall and Alderman Road.
Third-year College student Justin Ferira, a candidate for fourth-year class president, said he began his advertising at midnight and did not stop until 5 a.m.
"Name recognition is the first step for people giving you credibility," Ferira said. "They're not going to read what you've done until they recognize your name."
While chalking and fliering are the most popular forms of campaign advertising, both Ferira and his fourth-year presidential opponent Howard Yuan said they believe they have come up with new, creative ways to get their names out.
Ferira has set up a Web site where interested voters can view his campaign platform and his thoughts on major election issues.
Yuan has screen-printed t-shirts with a circular logo asking rising fourth years to re-elect him as president.
All candidates have a limit for campaign expenditure. Those running for University-wide offices are limited to $60, while College position candidates and other undergraduate school position hopefuls have $40 and $30 expense caps respectively, said Elections Committee Chair Julie Teater.
Following elections, all candidates, including write-in candidates, are required to submit expenditure reports.
Election rules limit not only the funds candidates can spend but also the use of some forms of advertising. Following problems with spray chalk last spring, its use has been forbidden.
Two candidates, however, used the illegal spray chalk and were notified of their violation yesterday, Teater said.
"Candidates will have to remove it within 24 hours of being notified or as soon as possible," Teater added.
Spray chalk, unlike sidewalk chalk, does not wash off in the rain and will come off only when forcibly removed.
Because sidewalk chalking is susceptible to wet weather, many candidates said they expect that they will have to re-chalk areas before Tuesday.
Though almost all candidates are doing their best to proliferate their name around Grounds, they also come together to compete for votes. Many gathered in an election debate last night in Jefferson Hall.
Honor candidates discussed problems of student apathy, spotlighting and communication.
Judiciary candidates spoke on current issues that might effect the Judiciary Committee in the future, including hazing legislation, good cause exceptions to the statute of limitations and outreach efforts.
Candidates for Council president and executive vice president debated the function of Council and the qualities of an adequate Council leader.
"The purpose of Student Council is to be an actor, not just a voice" for students, said Ed Hallen, Council presidential candidate and third-year Engineering student.
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