I would like to offer my services as a political consultant for everyone running in WSA elections this spring. From a political science point of view, the electoral structure of the WSA is very intriguing, and the core of this analysis revolves around the voting system.
The most important part of the WSA election is getting people to vote. If you, as a candidate, are the person getting a voter to get online, then chances are that person will vote for you. Voter turnout is a huge part of the game. Studies by the Analysis Group show that a face to face conversation with a voter can increase their chances of voting by up to 20 percent. Imagine if that face-to-face conversation happened in the ballot booth. That’s what the WSA election is. You just have to be the person there telling the person to vote.
The strategy I would endorse as your political consultant is one that Democrats sometimes refer to as “Knock and Drag,” which I have revised to call “Knock and Type.”  Let’s say you are going through HiRise knocking on doors about your candidacy; the best strategy to use would be to encourage said voter to vote immediately. Do not go for flashy events such as a party or bake sale. Go to the voter who, at home, has the vote in hir hand.
“Knock and Type” also adds to the identity that is consistent with WSA electoral winners. My sophomore year, Joseph O’Donnell ’12 was running in a heated race against his former roommate Zachary Malter ’13. Joe ran on a strong anti-WSA platform while Zach went door-to-door championing his WSA experience. Zach won in a landslide.
Do not assume that people dislike the WSA and that this will hurt your candidacy.  Embrace your inner Obama and be the candidate that people want. When voting for a WSA rep, people are not looking for someone to have a beer with; they want to give it to the person who wants it the most. Voting is looked at by political scientists by the following equation:
(Probability That Your Vote Decides the Election) (Benefit from Outcome) + Feeling of Being a Part of the Democratic Process = Cost of Voting.
Since the cost of voting is so low, and the general sentiment of being a part of the democratic process is low as well, focus your attention on the perceived benefit from the outcome and the probability your vote decides the election.
“Hi, my name is Will, and I’m running for WSA President. This year’s election will be very close, and every vote counts, but I have been working for many years to be WSA president, and it would mean a lot if you would vote for me right now. All you need to do is hit ‘Command + N’ and go to the voting webpage.”
This statement allows the voter to believe in the importance of their specific vote as well as show the positive benefit from voting (the personal connection you just made by voting). It also emphasizes the low cost of voting while utilizing the Marshall Ganz theory of community organizing, which emphasizes the importance of a personal touch.
Don’t be afraid to buy the election either. Citizens United has truly opened the door for limitless campaign spending, even at the collegiate level. Four years ago, the Feiring/Firke team distributed bottle openers with their names on them. They won in a landslide as well.
Let’s talk campaign video. From the amount of effort put into WSA presidential videos, this must clearly be the most important part of the process. You want something funny, but about the issues, because remember you have to look like you care about the issues at hand. Most good campaign videos feature issue-based scenes of action happening at iconic points around campus. If it is not iconic, then do not put that Wesleyan place in your video.
Finally, the blurb that goes with your name on the WSA voting page. A blurb can make or break a candidacy. With this blurb, you are showing to the voters exactly what kind of WSA representative you will be. Try to show yourself to be someone who really wants to be on the WSA.
Remember, don’t work too hard on this. If you are running for WSA President, and you lose, don’t worry. You only have to come in seventh place to get a seat in the assembly. As a WSA representative, you have virtually the same voting power in the legislature.