And they’re off! Brightly-colored flyers, sandwich boards littering campus, and even some liberties with copyright infringement are clear signs the race for student body president is under way.

  With signs mimicking the John Deere logo and slogans with a slightly sexual undertone, candidates begin this year’s election process as smoothly as possible. This year voters are only approached by three candidates, each with very different views as to what the student body is interested in for the upcoming year.   Andy Walsh, the pretty boy candidate, is a name many have heard before. Being an active member of Student Government, the Traditions Commission co-chair and boyfriend to Chandler Thompson, the current student body president, allows for many voters to recall his name. Walsh is very familiar with the inner workings of Student Government, which can either help or hinder his campaign efforts.   Caroline Yopp , the Greek candidate, has also been active in Student Government along with other organizations. As a member of Kappa Delta and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, she will undoubtedly receive the majority of Greek support while splitting the vote within Student Government with Walsh. Luckily for Andy, her year off in SG has the potential to hurt her effectiveness in the SG circles. Yopp has the advantage of being a female candidate; seeing voters are attracted to a candidate they’re attracted to, Caroline will appeal to at least 55 percent of the student body.   Jonathon Smith, the good ol’ boy candidate, was a part of Student Government until last year.  He is currently the president of the University Student Centers Board of Directors and Agri-Life Council in CALS . Between him and Yopp , there is a chance their shared college could spilt voters within the CALS programs. Smith’s major support will be coming from those who wish to see someone not already intertwined in the messy web of SG . However, his departure and current attempt to return could call into question if being president is the only reason for his campaign efforts.   Walsh hopes to encourage student involvement and increase morale by having a student concert series, end of the semester raves, late night buses to downtown and improving the game day experience. Anyone can see these values are definitely something to party about. Walsh has had the benefit of Chandler’s direct advice on how to cater to student opinion, which has greatly swayed his platform.  With his intended president position as the only student voter on the Board of Trustees, Walsh’s priorities are obviously more geared toward having a good time. While some students may fall prey to this platform, others do not share this vision with Walsh and hope to see someone a little more serious about the position in office.   Yopp has a very strong following outside of Student Government and across the board. Voters from nearly every college and major can identify with her, due to an extended circle of friends. Yopp’s platform does take into account the seriousness of the position; however, as in every election, the true vote comes down to popularity-which she has. The focus of her campaign will be to ensure voters get to know her as a person so they can recall her name as the nice girl in the Brickyard when looking at the ballots.   Smith takes a more traditional approach to the position – perhaps too traditional. With his campaign supported only by his leadership experience, popularity could win out. Smith does not have the popularity of either of his opponents, and will have to do a lot of networking in order to catch up and remain in the race with Walsh and Yopp .   With this election year already in full throttle, things are going to heat up and it should prove to be an interesting process.