Student Council Elections usually take a backseat here at Madison High School. Many students are unaware of the existence of the student council as an umbrella organization over the class councils. Their actual differences are shrouded in ambiguity and almost mythical status within their role in common high school lore.
During the 2011-2012 school year, candidates that ran unopposed filled every position. Many of the sophomores, juniors and seniors were in fact surprised by the attention the elections garnered this year because they claimed that there was no voting last year. This stark contrast between the precedent of passivity in school government elections and the intensity of the campaign period has shaped a new atmosphere towards student council from the student body.
With the ticket of seniors Kevin Reichek, Eric Lehmann, Kim Marotta and Dan Ahn running against the junior ticket of Emily Yates, Kelly Quinn, Tara Geier and Devlin Byrne, all running for their respective positions, campaigning was more intense than ever. In addition, junior Ryan Lam ran for Treasurer and sophomore Georgia Turvey ran for Corresponding Secretary. All the candidates plastered the hallways, bathrooms and nooks and crannies of the school with their posters and flyers.
The tension increased when the senior candidates arrived at school with candy to hand out to prospective voters. This resulted in a flurry of controversy, tweets and conversation, and caused the junior ticket to arrive the following school day carrying baskets of brightly wrapped Blow Pops. Says senior Billy Kennedy, “I felt as if the system was corrupt.” In addition to this, many of the seniors felt a general resentment towards the competition from underclassmen.
All this built up to the final vote and tally during third block on Friday, October 12th. The newly elected student council officers are: Emily Yates for President, Kelly Quinn for Vice President, Tara Geier for Corresponding Secretary, Dan Ahn for Treasurer and Georgia Turvey for Recording Secretary. The results show cross ticket voting and have perhaps ushered in a new age of student government.
Lisa Jenkins • Oct 16, 2012 at 8:43 am
These elections are basically popularity contests, and just based upon name-recognition. I talked to a freshman who said that she had no idea who the people on the ballot were, and literally just circled random names. The “speeches” were posted on the bulletin board, but few people bothered to read them. I think we should have utilized the Common Lunch period to organize a short meeting for the candidates to give their speeches. All interested could attend, listen, and vote. I, personally, voted for our senior “Not Awful” party, so I am heartbroken at how this election turned out, especially because only one senior occupies a position now. I wonder if the members of this class council will be able to bring enough experience to their positions.