As students running for Student Council search for votes in the hallways, they promise voters ambitious initiatives and ideas. In their campaign videos, they offer streamlined representation to and from authorities, and improved communication and transparency between students and administration. However, once the votes are counted and posters are stripped off the walls, these promises fade into the abyss of the busy school year. 

It doesn’t have to be that way. While to many, the Student Council election may feel like a popularity contest or a strategy to boost college applications, it’s the best opportunity for the rest of the student body to make their voices heard in what is likely their first experience with voting and democracy. 

Students must demand actual results from their officers, and those who are elected by the student body must listen and act. 

Student Council elections are real elections, giving students their first taste of a democratic system. Students identify the issues that matter most to them, weigh different candidates who speak to their values the most, cast their votes and watch the results come in, accepting the results no matter the outcome. These are all ways in which students gain practice with the voting experience, and this value must not be discounted. To make the most of this opportunity, student voters must get informed on candidates and demand more from them when they fail to keep their ambitious promises.

For those elected to Student Council, following through on promises made during the campaign is essential to ensure voters feel represented and trust their student government. It often feels like students only pay attention to Student Council during election season — and that’s on students — but it’s also up to the officers to maintain their momentum and live up to the promises that got them elected.

Now, the Student Council has taken steps to ensure accountability by releasing meeting notes and has worked to improve feedback collection by distributing surveys after events. The system has to work both ways. Student voters need to increase engagement with and raise expectations for their Student Council officers if they hope to have meaningful experiences with student government. In return, officers must keep their word and constantly aim to improve the student experience. 

Ultimately, when student voters and Student Council officers both contribute to the relationship between groups, U-High becomes a place where voters learn the impact of their voice and officers understand the responsibilities of serving their community.