Ames Elects Student: How'd they do that?

Ames Elects Student: How'd they do that?

Just noticed this in the Register:

An Iowa State University student from Cumming has been elected to the Ames City Council.

Ryan Doll, a senior in political science, defeated incumbent Daryle Vegge 623-458 in a runoff election Tuesday for the 3rd Ward seat...

So Ames has accomplished what Iowa City has not. How?

I'm still working that one out. Drew Miller worked on the campaign and is writing up the experience. Not to take away anything from the achievement, but one BIG factor is a true ward system that's unlike Iowa City's bizarre district but not really system. Doll only had to win votes in one part of town, while any UIowa student who got through a primary would have to run city wide.

Still, Doll knocked off an incumbent and that's tough. Looking forward to reading more. I like the suggestion of a two year term (more student-friendly). My biggest question is: what motivated the student turnout?