As spring approaches, so does ASB (All-Student-Body) election season at Wilsonville. In theory, students having a say in school decisions is ideal. However, in practice, ASB elections inevitably turn into a popularity contest. Whoever can run the trendiest campaign will likely get the most votes and win the position, even if they are not the most qualified candidate.
From a student’s perspective, it’s easy to feel discouraged from even attempting to run because of this well-known notion, even though the idea of school elections is to have everyone be included in decision-making. With the current system, those at “the top” will inevitably stay there.
ASB should be run by those who are willing to do the work and commit to a year of service to the school and their peers. While having a title is good to slyly slip into conversation, or to add to a college application, the work behind the title is what should count.
A lot of students this year spiced up their campaigns by creating Instagram accounts to try to gain traction, while entertaining, it is critical to tell the people what you plan to accomplish in a position of power. People should know what they are voting for.
Junior Isaiah Kessler noted, “I think they are a popularity contest [ASB elections], because High School is like an enclosed society. Influence is powerful. People with the most connections get the most votes, such as those involved in extracurricular activities.”
He went on, “I know a few people who have wanted to run but won’t because they know they will lose since they don’t have enough connections.”
On the other hand, some students think it’s not just based on status.
ASB President-Elect, Ryan Williams, shared his thoughts on election processes, “I completely disagree that elections are just popularity contests. I think it’s about the most groups you can hit.”
Students are also often misinformed about what ASB does for the school and what candidates bring to the table.
“I remember my freshman year, I just voted for whoever’s ads I saw more. I think we should get elections to grow a bit. We’re still very new, like I’m the third ASB president we’ve had. I think we should start getting bigger into showing what the candidates want to bring to the school, right now it’s just whoever has the best campaign.”
He went on to explain, “I think it should be a longer process, or I think candidates should be enforced to do more, because, like I said, nobody has advertised what they want to bring in the school, and I think thats a very important aspect that should be considered when voting. The only time you say what you want to bring is your voter’s pamphlet.”
Overall, ASB is still in its early stages at Wilsonville and needs work. If changes are implemented, ASB has the potential to become an amazing opportunity for students to learn about how government operates and what it means to run a real campaign.