How to Win a Student Council Election in Middle School

Middle school is a time where you learn a lot about yourself and what you are capable of.

Middle schools typically have a student council, which is a group of students who make some decisions about the school and how it is run. Depending on your school and its policies, there are different things you may be responsible for if you are a member of the student council. However, you often must win an election to be a member. You can help your chances of winning a middle school student council election.

Instructions

1. Develop an idea you want to push when you are running for the student council. Like any election, you need to have an idea you can talk about with other students, which is similar to a platform that your campaign is based around. Maybe you want to get new lockers for middle school students, or maybe you want to get soda machines put into your lunchroom. Choose an idea that is important to you and your school, and make it the center of your campaign.

2. Decide on a slogan that is easy to remember and that incorporates your name in some way. A good slogan will help other students remember you and think of you when they hear it. There are many options for slogans, and, depending on your first or last name, you can make up one that fits who you are. You can use this slogan on buttons and posters.

3. Spend time talking to students to get an idea of what your middle school friends want to see happen in their school. Don't just talk to the popular crowd, and don't just talk to your friends. Try to talk to as many different people as you can to get an idea of what each group wants to see happen. You can also let them get an idea of who you are as well. When it comes time to vote, they'll remember you talked to them.

4. Write a good campaign speech that makes several key points about what you'd like to accomplish if you get elected to student council. Make sure you include your main election points, but also make sure you are personable. You need to come off as friendly and responsible to win the election.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes in middle school, student council elections end up being a popularity contest. If this happens to you and you aren't the most popular student, you might not win. Keep trying, though, because, if you really want to be involved in school government, there will other chances as you grow up.

References

• A Girl's World: How to Run for School Office!