Campaign Cash: Analyzing the real cost of Campus Campaigns

As campaign week makes its much anticipated departure from the Southern University campus, large decorative posters and push cards begin to flutter aimlessly, and earn their removal. While most students spent the week focused on reaping the usually edible benefits of candidates vying for their support, many don’t consider how much funding goes into running a campaign.
To put some of the expenses in perspective, according to the Presidential candidates, the average cost of their campaigns this year totaled 4, 350 dollars. Dominique Diamond, a senior Physical Education major and newly elected 2015-2016 Student Government Association President, shared the amount of effort and support that went into his campaign, saying,
“I had to raise a lot of money in order to afford to get my name and platform out to the general [student] body.” Diamond added, “I had to raise money by securing sponsorships within the community, which is sometimes hard on candidates, because we are expected to raise enough funds to constantly keep giving to the student body.”
Though most of this year’s candidates dropped a pretty penny on their campaigns, Diamond mentioned that money is not the overall determining component as to who will win the election.
“Funding or money is not what helps you win a campaign, but instead it is the good communication that you are able to establish with the student body.”
Finances are not the only thing the candidates are investing in when running for a position. Time is also a valuable asset that candidates are expected to sacrifice during campaign week. Students are very well aware of candidates taking the time out to stand under tents and speak with them, but often overlook the amount of time that candidates put into their actual campaigns.
Before a candidate can be placed on the ballot, they must pass a test on the SGA Constitution, requiring them to devote time to study and adequately prepare for the exam. Candidates also spend a lot of time preparing platforms, networking and contacting sponsors. Lawrence Williams, a former candidate for the SGA President position, and junior Mass Communications major, gave insight to the time he allotted to his campaign.
“If I had to estimate how many hours I put into this campaign, I would say 20 hours a day.” Lawrence also explained that he didn’t procrastinate to prepare for Campaign Week. “I have been working on myself to be more prepared for this for over a year, and began getting everything together for Campaign Week two weeks in advance.”
According to Williams, the best advice he has for students who wish to run in the future is, “Keep your tensions low, and always maintain.”
Overall, Southern’s campus experienced a very competitive campaign season this year for candidates vying for all positions. More goes into campaigns than snacks and catchy slogans. Every candidate and their campaign team put in countless hours and make expensive investments in an effort to convince the student body that they are the best person for the job.