Polls closed at 7 p.m. today after the student body voiced its verdict on next year’s Associated Student government (AS) leaders.
Ballots are still being counted in the contest between presidential candidate Cameron Spencer and running mate Shannon Tierney, and presidential candidate Mark Heath and running mate Justin DeVesta.
The opposing camps have used different strategies to appeal to voters, but one common thread in the marketing was using technology and the internet as a tool to reach out to the student body.
Spencer and Tierney have a campaign video uploaded on Youtube. They have also handed out treats and T-shirts advertising their names to the public.
Heath and DeVesta handed students strips of red fabric to distinguish them from the other party. Students around campus were seen wearing these around their heads and wrists as a symbol of their support. They also used Facebook and a WordPress blog which received over 800 views.
Spencer and Tierney’s campaign slogan was “Be Heard. Be Empowered.” As part of their campaign they emphasized accountability to the student body on how they spend the students’ money.
Heath and DeVesta’s campaign slogan was “Strength and Service.” Their entire platform is very much centered on service, said Heath.
“AS is to serve the student body, but also students are to serve one another, and it takes strength to do this,” said Heath.
Both parties had been campaigning to the Biola community until Sunday night, according to Heath, when they mutually decided to retire their campaigning efforts.
“We had enough….and didn’t want to annoy anyone while they’re voting,” said Heath.
Even as students made their way to the polling place Tuesday, some were still uncertain on who to vote for. On the other hand,those who had already made a decision based it on specific reasons.
“I liked the more spiritual side of their speech,” said sophomore Lydia Perez, speaking of Heath and DeVesta, while admitting “everyone has their T-shirts,” speaking of Spencer and Tierney.
“Both campaigns are strong, so it’s hard to tell,” said freshman Teagan Benson.
Election results will be posted on The Chimes Online after 10 p.m. tonight.
