“Mmm, Obama tastes good!”

That’s not a phrase one would expect to hear, at least not in the public space that is a dorm lounge. Residents of Toyon Hall, however, might soon find themselves munching on a Barack Obama cookie as part of ElecToyon ‘08 — a program headed by residents to spread knowledge about the hotly-contested presidential race.

According to Toyon Resident Assistant (RA) Brian Howald ‘09, ElecToyon was conceived during staff retreat as potential themes were tossed around for the predominantly-sophomore dorm. Together, Toyon staff and Resident Fellows (RFs) decided the name would work better as a program to inform residents about the election.

“We decided that even if we weren’t going to use the name as a theme, it would definitely be a good idea to use it as a name for a program to increase political awareness in the dorm,” Howald said.

“I wanted to make sure that there was information readily available to Toyon residents on election issues and candidates so that they could be more well-informed and not have to work too hard at it,” said Toyon RF Amy Friedman.

Increasing political awareness — not pressure to vote — is the primary objective of ElecToyon, stressed resident Matt Sprague ‘10, who creates informative flyers to post around the dorm.

“Our idea is that if you put up information and people are interested in it, maybe they’ll become more interested in politics and become more informed,” Sprague said. “That’s our overall objective.”

Since the start of the school year, ElecToyon leaders have posted flyers in the halls and bathrooms with weekly questions; caucus and primary dates for both the Democratic and Republican parties; and details regarding the operations of a caucus and primary.

“They do place their flyers pretty strategically,” said Leia Lorica ‘10 with a laugh. “I can’t help but read them.”

Regarding future ElecToyon events, Sprague said he is planning a change in tone.

“We have to break the ice a little more to get people talking,” he said. “We might do a more humorous event.”

Ideas on the table include having residents pitch for certain candidates in the lounge prior to a caucus or primary; naming each hall of the dorm after a candidate and having representatives take part in a game of Halo to advance their candidates in a mock primary; and baking cookies featuring the faces of each candidate. Already, residents have had “politics and popcorn” nights during the numerous televised debates between candidates.

Friedman said she would also like to hold events that would allow international residents to share their perspectives on both U.S. politics and politics in their native countries.

The staff members of various other dorms have been informing their residents about dates such as voter registration deadlines, but none has a program as structured as ElecToyon.

“I’m not aware of anything we’re doing officially,” said Roble RA Daniel Novinson ‘08, who is also a Daily staff writer, in an email to The Daily. “I’m just forwarding registration emails and the like to my residents.”

Terra RA Benjie Nelson ‘07 admitted that while his house does not take part in any similar program, the idea is a good one.

For the most part, Toyon residents are enthusiastic about their dorm’s program.

“I’ve seen the signs in the bathroom and I get really excited when I see them,” said Cooper Lloyd ‘10. “They definitely keep me informed.”

Lorica said without the numerous flyers posted around the dorm, voter apathy would take over.

“[The flyers] keep me well informed,” Lorica said. “Otherwise I really don’t care anymore.”

However, Caitlin Crandell ‘10 did express disappointment at the posted flyers, noting that they say the dorm will be taking part in activities but the plans often don’t reach fruition.

Nevertheless, Howald and Sprague are optimistic that ElecToyon ‘08 has been and will continue to be a service to Toyon residents.

“No one really knows how a primary works,” Sprague said. “I didn’t even know until I made the flyer. You have to be informed before your voting is productive.”