A Conversation With the Elections Commissioner

🗓️ March 26, 2026

✍🏾 Jae'Dyn Smith

As election season approaches at Howard University, the energy on campus begins to shift. Campaign graphics flood Instagram, group chats turn political, and conversations about leadership take center stage on The Yard.

But this year, according to Elections Commissioner Willie White III, the goal is simple: change the culture.

In an interview with How2Howard, White spoke candidly about the state of student elections, the controversies that shaped this year’s commission, and what it means to lead with integrity in one of the most visible student leadership spaces on campus.

Confronting the Culture

Before this year’s commission even began its work, it inherited a complicated legacy. The previous elections commission was removed following concerns about mismanagement and lack of communication, forcing a reset in both leadership and trust.

White doesn’t shy away from that reality.

“We couldn’t just move forward like nothing happened,” he explained. “There was a real need to rebuild trust and reset expectations.”

That reset became the foundation of the 2025–2026 Elections Commission’s mission: transparency, accessibility, and accountability.

From "Clout-Chasing" to Community

One of White’s most pointed critiques of past election seasons is the emphasis on visibility over substance.

“We’ve seen elections become less about leadership and more about popularity,” he said, echoing sentiments he previously shared in press conferences.

He described a familiar pattern: students who are largely absent from campus life suddenly become hyper-visible during campaign season; hosting large-scale service events, launching polished branding campaigns, and dominating social media feeds.

While these efforts may appear impactful, White argues they often miss the point.

“Leadership isn’t something you turn on for a campaign,” he said. “It’s something you demonstrate consistently.”

Policy Changes and Structural Reforms

To combat these issues, the Commission has introduced several reforms aimed at making elections more equitable and transparent.

Among them:

• Mandatory documentation of campaign spending, including receipts and donations

• A more transparent violations and appeals process

• Expanded communication strategies to keep students informed

• Greater collaboration with student media and organizations

White emphasized that these changes are not just procedural, they’re philosophical.

“This is about making sure elections reflect the student body, not just the students with the most resources,” he said.

Leadership Beyond the Title

Despite the visibility of his role, White views his position less as authority and more as responsibility.

“The Commission is a safeguard,” he explained. “We’re here to protect the integrity of the process and make sure democracy on this campus actually stands.”

That perspective aligns with his broader vision for the Commission: not just as an administrative body, but as a facilitator of student empowerment.

Looking Ahead

As campaign season unfolds, White hopes students will approach elections differently this year not as spectators, but as participants.

“Ask questions. Read platforms. Hold candidates accountable,” he said. “This is your student government.”

At a university with a legacy as politically and culturally influential as Howard, student elections carry weight beyond campus boundaries. They reflect how future leaders think, organize, and serve.

And if Willie White III has his way, this election season won’t just produce winners, it will produce a stronger democracy as we know it.

Ballots will be sent to all students' Bison email on April 1, 2026, where voting will be open from 8:00AM-8:00PM.