Junior Class Elections: Are They Popularity Contests?

Clara O'Bannon '23 ~ October 2021

Nardin’s Junior Class officers go through an election process before taking up their leadership roles in the school community.

Junior Class President, Maria Evancho, reflects on her personal election experiences as well as her techniques for being successful in school politics. Although it is her second consecutive year as class president, Maria describes the election process as tough.

“Campaigning is kind of difficult to do. I’m pretty sure campaigning on social media and making signs for class office are frowned upon so there is not much you can do and we do not give speeches,” Maria says.

In order to attain the truehearted support of her classmates, Maria utilizes her free blocks to talk with the class. She claims that the best way to be an effective leader is to take the time to listen to her peers' concerns.

Additionally, Maria says popularity can play a role in the election process.

“Most people are going to vote for who they know the best, so I think that’s where popularity might come into play. However, not everyone has someone close to them running,” Maria says.

Maria believes that those who do not have a close friend running in the election will vote for the person they deem best fit for the position.

The three Junior Class officers meet monthly to discuss class matters, and they have a group chat where they talk frequently. As Maria mentions, they work as a unit and are thrilled to work together this year.

“We all get along and have fun together, so I think this was one of the most ideal outcomes,” Maria says.

Title Photo: “Concept of voting yes or positive vote. Male hand placing wooden cube with check mark yes symbol next to the cubes with the word vote” by Marco Verch Professional Photographer, Flickr, CC BY 2.0