Monday marked the last week of campaigning, the final opportunity for candidates to win over their peers before Election Day on March 30. In an effort to bring exposure to their platforms, many student leaders initiated giveaways ranging from Beyonce tickets to new sneakers.

Broccoli City Fest tickets, Drake and 21 Savage tickets, Renaissance tour tickets, American Airlines flights, Nike Dunks, eyebrow appointments, and ShopLHP t-shirt raffles were just a few of the ways candidates caught their constituents' attention and hopefully, raised awareness on their platform.

“I think that this campaign strategy is extremely appealing to students,” said Camille King, the current School of Communications Council Vice President. “Doing things that are going to keep people wanting to stay, hear more and not run away from you is super important and very useful when campaigning.”

Campaigns offering students something more tangible than their words were intriguing for some students, but for others, the overload of free prizes in exchange for votes clouded the election process.

“Not many of the giveaways appealed to me because I felt like a Beyoncé ticket was overdoing it,” said Howard student Kelby Hughes. “In a student leader, I am looking for someone who actually makes change. I’m looking for a student leader who is actually willing to change the issues that Howard has, and not just bribing people to get into a position.”

Genuinuity and authenticity are ideal qualities of a student candidate for Howard student, Ayanna Flowers.

“I want someone who is honest,” Flowers stated. “Someone who doesn’t put on a front for their campaign. I want someone who I can go to lunch with, and feel like I’m talking to a friend.”

The large-scale giveaways have sparked discussion of the time, money, and resources that go into campaigns at Howard University. Regardless, Mackenzie Williams sees a purpose in the approach the candidates took.

“I thought how strategic and pre-planned these campaigns were, and how much these candidates believed in themselves,” said Williams. “They believed in their student body in order to give such a big gift like that away, and it makes me more respectful of the creativity and planning that went into the campaign. This is one of those amazing things about Howard University students: our mind, our creativity and where it leads us.”

Election results were announced on the steps of Douglass Hall, Friday, March 31. Watch the full election party here.