Working On A Congressional Campaign: A Photo Column

Aiden Keenan
Oct 24, 2020

As of Oct. 24, we are officially ten days away from the U.S. general election. Hundreds of candidates are finalizing their campaigns for president, senator or representative, which only considers federal positions. I’ve had the honor of acting as an organizing fellow with a House race since March. Full disclaimer, my involvement in a campaign does impact my ability to be impartial, but this photo column should not include any political statements other than this simple, bipartisan one: vote.

 

Television stations are flooded with political ads these days. During my fellowship, I attended two days of shooting ads, andI’m even featured in an ad. Watching the production crew, campaign staff and the candidate work together to create an ad opened my eyes to the unseen side of political advertising.
(Photo by Aiden Keenan).
Of course, no television set is complete without snacks for the day. Before one of the shoots, I gathered fruits, chips, cookies, drinks and more, which were used to fuel the people on set for one full day. Shooting in July gets really hot, so the drinks in the cooler had to be replenished frequently throughout the day. (Photo by Aiden Keenan).

 

I wasn’t alone in my efforts on the campaign. In June, my fellowship cohort hiked at Clarks’ Reservation near Syracuse, N.Y. Pictured (from left to right) are Brexton Isaacs, Josh Rosenbaum, Callie Humprhey, Ethan Goldstein, Eva Englich, Amanda Kruman, Sophia Griffiths and Josh Ludden. Together, we worked tirelessly over the summer to win a primary election and prepare for a tough fight in the general.
(Photo taken via self-timer by Aiden Keenan).

 

Voter registration ended on Oct. 9 in New York state. On Oct. 8, I stood on the corner outside of the dining hall on Syracuse University’s campus and registered students to vote. Read up on your state’s voting laws, and prepare to use your right to vote!
(Photo by Aiden Keenan).

 

My experience on Dana Balter’s campaign has been an incredible one. Win or lose, I have learned so many things and worked with some incredible people. Many people decline to vote, choosing not to use their voice. Regardless of political affiliation, please read up on the candidates and issues, then turn out to the polls. Don’t let someone else make your decisions for you. Vote!
(Photo taken by self-timer by Aiden Keenan).