To spice up the campaign, I called my friend who was student body president from Chico High School and had him bring drummers from the marching band for a noon-time parade across campus. Many of my friends joined them, holding picket-style posters as they marched across campus. We created a minor spectacle and had people talking about what we did. The march ended at a rally organized by another group to address student issues, but since I was friends with the organizer, he let me speak. A successful campaigner knows how to utilize every event in the periphery to his or her advantage.
Election day can make or break a campaign.
Students are busy thinking about everything else besides your vision on how to make your campus better. For two days, we set up shop in front of every voting booth. I was fortunate to have people who were well-liked and dedicated to work those booths. Students notice when you're supported by good people, so you automatically gain credibility with potential voters. Campaigning for political office gives students direct training in public speaking, networking, and grass-roots organizing.