#ElectionClass encourages students to vote for class election

This year I’ve had the pleasure of taking IST 500: “Social Media in the 2012 Election” (affectionately known as #ElectionClass).

The class discusses politics and campaigning in the information age. One facet of the class is running a mock election representing a character assigned by the emperor/teacher of #ElectionClass, professor Anthony Rotolo.

My character is Robert Lawrence, a successful Republican businessman. With the help of my campaign team I was able to mold the candidate to fit principles that would likely resonate with a college campus. Over the past nine weeks we’ve worked to push our candidate’s message, effectively debate, and publicize the class and our candidacy across campus. The race will culminate on Tuesday, Election Day, when our mock campaign votes for who will become president of the fictional “Amercia” (a nod to Mitt Romney’s spelling gaffe earlier this campaign season).

While my passion for and enjoyment of the course led me to write this letter, I’d be lying if I said I’m not trying to shill for votes as well. My candidate is a successful businessperson, someone who understands the economy on a level not seen by your typical lawmaker. He puts common sense above all and is a levelheaded, pragmatic leader. His undefeated debate record in #ElectionClass indicates his clear approach to fixing the economy resonated most with the audience.

If you’d like to participate in this unique class, all you have to do is go to Hinds Hall, room 339. There, you can learn about the journey our campaigns have taken to get to Election Day, and cast your vote. A smart vote is a vote for Lawrence and Taylor. I ask for your vote because our campaign wants nothing more than to celebrate a win at Chuck’s.

Sincerely yours,
Robert Lawrence
aka Bob O’Brien
Class of 2014
Information management and technology major