Should ASB elections evolve?

Kat Piantka | Editor-in-Chief

March 27, 2026

It’s that time of year again, election week has arrived. And with it comes the intense anticipation and controversy over who will become the next class and Associated Study Body (ASB) presidents. Candidates scramble to gather votes and produce their most appealing and original campaigning ideas from videos, posters, Instagram accounts, and social media posts with voting reminders. And while these elections on paper appear to highly impact the student body, in reality, these presidents hardly have any impact on what happens on campus. They loosely throw out the lines “more inclusivity, more school spirit, and more fun activities” to win over votes. But with each new ASB president, San Clemente High School remains relatively the same, with the only noticeable change being the voice that reads aloud the morning announcements, and for seniors, who gives the farewell address at graduation.

So what is the student body even voting for, and why should they care who is selected as their class president? At the end of the day, it’s just a title that is given to the most recognizable name on paper. The candidate’s names will be added to the long lists of forgotten ASB and class presidents whose duties and influence mostly reside within the walls of the fourth period class. The only people who are impacted by the election results are the members of ASB. For them, election week carries more significance as it determines whether or not their future president will have reputable experience and ideas, or if they just won the popular vote and are looking to add another bullet point to their resume. If ASB members are more significantly impacted by elections, why don’t their votes carry more weight than their peers? Their presidential power at most determines how their class will prepare for the annual Homecoming parade and spirit assemblies. 

Rather than ASB election week being a frenzy of candidates going from table to table at lunch to force strangers and friends to vote for them, elections should become more personable and reflect the leadership and ambitions of each candidate. Currently, the elections are just a highlight reel that reflects how candidates wish to be perceived or how they think they should act and look to win over votes. Social media and various posters have become the norm for elections, but many students are unable to put a face to the name and determine for themselves if they are the best candidate. Additionally, only a minority of the student population votes in ASB elections. Therefore, how does the president represent the entire class if only a fraction of students are aware of the elections occurring? 

To increase student participation, enhance involvement, create a more personable experience, and reflect the true qualities of each candidate, ASB elections should revert back to traditional election methods of candidates giving speeches in an assembly and having the student body vote after. Now, students will be given a face to the name, and be able to compare the candidates who they believe would embody their class and student body the best. Speeches would welcome back the professionalism and authenticity that the campaigning videos and social media posts lack. Instead of hiding behind a screen or the facade that these candidates wish to portray themselves as, their peers, teachers, and faculty will be able to properly judge and determine who they believe are the best representatives of our school. From how they present themselves, captivate and engage an audience, and the ideas, commitment, and passion they bring forth to the role.

Junior and candidate for ASB Vice President, Annie Owens shared that “[she] thinks it is so important for students to vote during ASB elections because it is their chance to directly decide what their school experience looks like next year. Those in the running put their hearts into planning events, setting the tone for school culture, representing the student voices, and bringing opportunities to their peers.” 

Senior and ASB Activities director Myla Pert also pointed out an alternative election protocol which would ensure candidates are well qualified and representatives of their peers. She expressed that “people running for president should have votes from their class because it shows that they are representatives of the student body. But they should also be interviewed so that advisors and people already in ASB can see what they can bring to the table.” 

As a former three year member of ASB, class presidents cannot directly determine their peers’ entire high school experience, but they can certainly enhance it by encouraging school spirit, creating and organizing fun activities, and trying to unite their class. But everything they preach to enforce and change on campus will not occur if the status quo at SCHS persists. Like Owens said, these elections do call for immense preparation and work behind the scenes from creating campaign videos, posters, and unique ideas that will distinguish themselves from their opponents. It should also be applauded that so many Tritons want to make a difference on campus and put themselves out there. But at the end of the day, the competitiveness of elections is all in good spirit and is meant to showcase the emerging Triton leaders on campus.