Outgoing IUSA president recalls election night, offers advice

IU Student Association President Meredith Suffron, a senior, said she is watching this week's IUSA elections from the sidelines. She said she chose not to support one of the five executive tickets.\nSuffron said election days and nights are full of stress and intensity for the candidates, while the campus is bombarded with fliers, signs and campaigning candidates.\nBut this year seems different -- there has been less campaigning and intensity with this year's tickets, Suffron said.\n"If they really care about the people and issues on campus, people on campus should've already been bombarded (with the campaigns)," she said.\nSuffron recalled the intensity of her own election experience.\nThe night before last year's IUSA elections was eventful, Suffron said. After a 10 p.m. pep rally with football quarterback Antwaan Randle El, Suffron's Platinum ticket campaigned until 2 a.m., she said.\n"We tried to make an impact before we went to sleep that evening," Suffron said.\nAfter campaigning, making appearances and calling friends the next day, the ticket had another meeting, Suffron said.\nThe Platinum ticket didn't learn it had won until Friday, and members celebrated at Chi Chi's that night, Suffron said.\nSuffron said networking is essential to running a successful campaign. Good ideas mean a lot, she said, but it's the follow-through that wins elections.\n"You can be the most publicized ever," Suffron said. "But if you don't get out the vote, it doesn't mean anything"