StuCo Rolls Out New Election Guidelines

Anjali Sundaram, Reporter

As every year ends, student elections began. Students from all grades have the opportunity to vote for a person in their grade to their class students from all grades have the ability to choose who they want to represent them as a school.

Along with running for a spot in this year’s elections, students are expected to campaign for each position that they apply for. They also need to come up with campaign posters.

Information about elections are in the newly written guidelines.

“When we were writing guidelines, we didn’t want to be too restrictive because then you have to define too much,” Babich said. “For instance, there is no limit to the number of signs they can do, however each of the signs have to been signed by an AP.”

The new guidelines have many new changes. Instead of having a Student Body Historian and Reporter, the positions have been combined. Now it is called Student Body Public Relations.

“The reason that we collapsed these two positions together is because it makes it functions better with our class,” junior Maria Tangorova said. “We [student council] felt that it was necessary to function better.”

However the new position isn’t the most shocking change, says sophomore Ciara Alpert. The most shocking change, according to Alpert, that was put in place is that only seniors are allowed to run for student body positions. While seniors have usually won the title Student Body President, other student body positions were often taken by the other grades.

“I do believe the Student Body President and Vice President should be positions fulfilled by seniors that have already been in office,” Alpert said. “I do not agree that the positions: Student Body Secretary, Treasurer and Rep should have to only be available to seniors. Last year there was not enough seniors to even fill the class positions. Those position are to help [the student body] which is everyone, so experienced officers that are not seniors should be able to have the position.”

While seniors are the only ones offered student body positions, the election process rules remain the same for all ages. A common outlet for getting voters is distributing food. However if students plan on disturbing food, they must make sure that they are in the food guidelines or serving 30 minutes before or after school.

“I think an important strategy for elections and winning is getting your name out there,” Freshman President Greg Phea said. “Use all your resources, including all your social media. Last year I made a Twitter account devoted to my campaign.”

With the many changes, sophomore Avery Daniel believes that this will be the best election yet.

“This year, student council has worked really hard at making this year’s elections better than the others,” Daniel said. “This year, along with the changes, we have a greater amount of people running for positions. More people have shown an active interest in Student Council than ever before.”

During the week March 30 – April 3, participants will start there campaign prep which leads us into the week of April 6- 10 which is campaign week. April 1315 voting will commence and the winners will be announced on the  April 17.

“I think student elections are important because they are the by ins of the school,” Babich said, “So if students don’t feel connected to their school and they feel like they don’t have a say in it they will be less likely to buy into it. When people have a say in the decision making process there is usually less problems.”