The use of the Internet and other emerging technologies has become a staple in local and national political campaigns. This trend recently has hit the University, as candidates running for high-profile positions are utilizing technology to bolster their campaigns.
"As someone who has observed elections over the past four years, I have definitely seen more Web sites used this election cycle," University Board of Elections Chair Brian Cook said. "This includes both the number of candidates using Web sites and the amount of information that the candidates make available through their Web sites."
All candidates running for Student Council president have Web sites that list platforms and other information.
"You are allowed to give a lot more of yourself on a Web site," presidential candidate Curtis Ofori said.
Last year, only Council President Daisy Lundy used a Web site in her campaign.
"I think the incorporation of [information technology] in student campaigns is beneficial both for the candidates and for the student body as a whole," Lundy said. "It is most helpful when students can be well informed, and the easiest way to make a lot of information available to a lot of students is to create a Web site."
The candidates agreed that their Web sites have had a significant impact on their campaigning. All of them have received feedback from various sources about their sites.
Presidential candidate Greg Scanlon put a Paypal account on his Web site in order to generate funds for his campaign. He said that he already has raised $15 through the account.
"The Web site adds voter participation," Scanlon said. "I really wanted to include people in fundraising."
Candidates also are utilizing instant messenger, asking friends to display links to campaign Web sites or offer endorsements in their profiles.
"I think nothing is more essential than word-of-mouth endorsements," said Ross Baird, a candidate for second-year Council president. "You see chalk or fliers around Grounds, but it has no credibility attached to it. Having someone you know place their trust in a candidate on their profiles is much more credible."
Honor Committee candidate Ben Sachs also constructed a Web site for his campaign. He said it is a much easier way to make his ideas known.
"I think that you are going to see e-mail campaigning become a lot more streamlined," Sachs said. "I think putting up fliers and chalking will always be there, but technology will become a lot more evident."
The UBE will allow candidates to link individual campaign Web sites to candidate profiles displayed on the UBE elections Web site this year.
"I think Web sites allow candidates to convey much more information than what might be visible on a flier," Cook said. "This allows for a more in-depth and substantive look at the issues"
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