Davidson SGA Elections 2014: Where we stand, pre-politics

I tweeted earlier asking if there was a student offering insight into the SGA election as an elections observer. I received no responses, so I figured I would spend a few days covering the election politics just for kicks.

I will not reveal my "politics" on these races, but I can't promise I will tone down any snark here. If you want to know who I am considering casting my vote for, please come talk to me in person.



Last night at 6:51, every Davidson student received an email from the SGA about the 2014 Presidential Election. I've included it below:

Initial reaction upon seeing the list was the listing of the names. It's alphabetical by first name rather than alphabetical by last name or by seniority. This isn't necessarily significant, but is worth noting, especially since this puts earlier candidates at an advantage in regular elections. I seriously doubt this will have much influence, though, since Davidson student turn-out is embarrassingly low for these sort of things.

Candidate publicity as of now:

Zevallos (Sophomore)

Fairly impressive campaign so far. Very obviously knows how to run a campaign and has been planning this run.

Zevallos has set up a wix site which houses "The Four Point Agenda", a plan by Zevallos which he intends to institute if he were to be elected. The four points are as follows:

1. Creating education-based initiatives to reduce the incidence of sexual assault

This is actually a pretty bold move, and seems to be extensively researched and planned both as an agenda item and as a real point of policy. Zevallos cites meetings with Georgia Ringle and Dean Bray and several initiatives like bystander training and One in Four, a men's education group. Smart agenda item, since 50% of Davidson students are females, will be interesting to see how women students respond if at all. One recognizable flaw is that One in Four is looked to be created and run by RLO, it seems, instead of students.

2. Establishing a starter fund for summer internships

This is pretty interesting, and I haven't heard this on campus. Zevallos seeks to fight the economics of unpaid summer internships by offering what looks to be scholarships. Zevallos says he has laid some of the basic infrastructure of this move already.

3. Instituting more orientation-time programming between first-year sub-free and non sub-free halls

Interesting issue, but may be a bit tough since many first-years do not venture from their own bubbles even to talk to other sub-free or non sub-free (whichever they are a part of).

4. Collaborate with LGBTQIA groups on campus to raise visibility and create further dialogue

Right off of the heels of a semi-controversy about institutional policy towards flag on campus (specifically rainbow flags), and Zevallos cites the Davidsonian's talk-back on visibility. He endorses allowing the flags on campus, and intends to work with students to increase LGBTQIA visibility.

Altogether, this site is very well-done. He's got a mention of his own record of student leadership as well as why he seeks the presidency and a place to commit to vote. I haven't personally entered my name and email on the site, but would assume it would be to receive emails from the candidate. (I'll double check this with Zevallos' campaign.)

Zevallos has also been seen talking to students between classes and has campaign fliers on many doors around campus, especially in sophomore areas.



Murphy (Junior)

Parker Murphy has a Facebook page for his campaign. His slogan describes him as "Experienced, Dependable, [and] Honest", and he has provided both his email and room number, inviting students to talk to him about what they would like from a president. The page at time of writing has 8 likes, and has a list of his experience from class senator, PCC senator, member of ATC, Co-chair of Winterfest.

This campaign will be starting up, and I will be watching it for updates.



Hendrix (Junior)

Hendrix has had impressive campaigns in the past, and this year I'm hoping to see another one following this precedent. Currently, his only action on the internet (that I have seen) is a picture of him with the wildcat in a suit in the snow. This same photo is printed and around campus, too. Over 220 likes at time of writing on this photo.

Leach (Sophomore)

Leach does not have a Facebook that I can find, but I will try to get in touch with him soon. He has been seen talking with friends and colleagues about his candidacy, and may be an interesting candidate to watch. Heard from one observer that Leach is "not to be underestimated." Not familiar with this candidate, but will be on the lookout.



Yang (Sophomore)

Zi Yang has also led incredible campaigns in the past, and it's clear his is currently gearing up. Like Zevallos, Yang has created a Wix, but it doesn't appear to be working just yet - no text has been written yet.

Yang has always had impressive outreach to the student body, and he has a tea time scheduled at 6:30 tonight for any who want to come talk to him. He has also released a photo announcing his candidacy, with 220 likes at time of writing.

Interesting tactic - Zi built a snowman in front of Chambers and placed a campaign sign in its arms. (His building of it not yet verified, but will check that out tonight.)



Needless to say, I'm very interested to watch this election heat up. If any students want to contact me, reach me via email or on Twitter at @HamptonStall. Cheers.