10 Ways to Secure America’s Vote, and Not Tip Over

-Lauren Casey

In our current political climate, the name of the game is appeal. You must appeal to as many people as possible, with as many views as possible, with as many demographics as possible. A nigh impossible tightrope walk, involving checks and balances to rival our government. Here are ten ways our candidates can help keep their balance in the coming race, in no particular order.

10. Relatability

Voters want candidates who look and act like them. Flowery language and designer clothing may seem impressive, but these can alienate voters who feel like the candidates are a little too high and mighty. Reminders of humble beginnings or mundane struggles can increase a candidate’s chances of success.

9. Maturity

In any high profile situation, but especially a presidential race, those under the spotlight should strive to be as polished as possible. Here, we already see the balancing act taking place, as candidates must also share that spark of messiness that makes them human.

8. Clarity

Simply put, voters like to know what candidates are saying. Laymen don’t know the intricacies of trickle-down economics or international conflicts. In speeches, candidates should make their ideas and goals as clear as possible so voters know exactly what they’re getting into. Does this contradict maturity? It might.

7. Integrity

This seems obvious, but due to past scandals, it merits being said again: candidates should be honest. More often than not, the fallout from a poor event in the past can be lessened by getting ahead of it. Media, speaking from experience, can sensationalize events. Polished speeches do not.

6. Emphasize Differences

Allow us to return to the tightrope as we stray from relatability once again. Candidates can find support by emphasizing what makes them unique in this race. Usually personal identity like ethnicity or sexuality fills this requirement, though things like family circumstance can also work.

5. Know Things

Well, this seems vague. Allow me to explain: candidates should know what their base knows. If they aim to get votes from people who are on food assistance programs, they should know how much a loaf of bread or a carton of milk costs. This can also circle back to relatability. Can our tightrope walker breathe easy? Not quite.

4. Be a Mind Reader

Know what voters want. It is not enough to Know Things, you must also know the wants and needs of the American people. There is a difference between knowledge for knowledge’s sake, and knowledge for the sake of using it.

3. Sensationalize Success

In our day and age of reality TV shows, drama sells. It draws attention. Candidates can gain the focus of voters by making mountains out of molehills. Blunders by other candidates and huge wins all make good building material. However, they should be careful that their mountain truly is as strong as it seems

2. Bury Blunders

In the same manner that candidates should share every achievement, they should hoard every fiasco. Yes, be messy and relatable, but don’t be a disaster. Look, our tightrope walker shakes.

1. Don’t Be a Meanie

Let’s end with an easy one. Candidates should be kind. Don’t mock voters, members of the media, or fellow candidates. A clean race is a good race. Usually.

Let’s wish our candidates luck as they embark on this exciting journey. And remember, don’t look down!