How to Win a Student Government Election in Middle School

Last Updated: December 2, 2021

If you like making important decisions and enacting change at your school, you will love student council. Whether you want to be the president, secretary, or some other position inside of your school's student government, it will take time and energy to win. But with enough hard work, you’ll be able to sway your school’s opinion and take the election! If you want to know more about how to win a key cabinet position at your school, we’ve got you covered with the tips and tricks you need.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:
Preparation

1
Be sure you're ready to do this. Having a position in the Student Government can be stressing. There is a lot of work and responsibilities that you can't just forget about. There are other things that have to be done too like homework, chores, etc. Just make sure you have the time and you will be committed to it.
2
Ask your parents. It is important to get permission from your parents or guardians before you run. Being class president is a huge deal and you may need their help, even if you are running for something like Vice President.
3
Ask your principal or teacher the rules of running for president. If you don't follow every detail of the rules, you may not be able to run.
4
Ask someone with a license to help you to get affordable supplies for your campaign. You'll need items such as poster board, markers, glue, etc.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:
Getting Nominated

1
Get yourself nominated. Some Student Governments require someone to nominate another for a certain position. Sometimes, you can even nominate yourself. If you can't, get known so people think you will be good for a certain position or ask a good friend to do it for you.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:
Preparing Your Campaign

1
Be creative. Think about talents you have and how you can use them to benefit your campaign. If you're crafty, make buttons with your photo on it, or even tee-shirts with your slogan.
2
Come up with a catchy slogan. For example: "This isn't a game; you can't dodge the fact I'm the best choice for president!" or "Vote for Kate! She is Great!" Look online for ideas.
3
Advertise yourself. Make yourself known. Sometimes, these elections can turn into a popularity competition but if you really want the position, become well known in your school.
4
Make a poster. Use the materials to make an epic poster. Make sure there is a picture of you on it. That way everyone will know who you are at first glance. To make awesome posters, you have to make them attractive and stand out. Add glitter or a funny picture which goes along with the quote you use on it.
5
Make your campaign awesome. The best way to win is to give out free things, such as pencils, buttons, jewellery, cupcakes, cookies, etc.
- If you make a motto to put on your products, people will think you are creative and want to vote for you even more. Quotes like "Don't be silly, vote for Lilly!". You can even make a quote to go along with a product.
- If you get small cartons of milk, you can tape a quote saying "Got (Your Name Here)?, she/he's good for the Student Body!".
6
Hand out flyers. These should state why you want to be voted into that position and why you would do a great job. You could even set up a table at lunch or in the morning so you can talk to the students one on one and let them ask questions!

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:
Giving Your Speech

1
Make sure that your speech stands out. Make it funny, serious, and make sure you tell the crowd who you are and why you are running for that position. Most of all, be confident.
- Have some backup jokes if you think the crowd is getting bored.
- It will be easier to do it if you look above their heads so it looks like you're looking directly at them and you're confident.
2
Have fun! If you're really into it, you'll have a ton of fun doing this. And if you lose, you will be happy that you at least had fun and that you tried. Nothing is worse than regret.

Warnings

You may not win, so don't keep your hopes up without accepting the possibility of defeat. However, since it's all a learning experience, there is no failure, only a good lesson in what it takes to make an effort for something you care about.

Thanks!
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