INFORMATION SHEET
When are the elections?
-Student Government Elections will be held the last week of June 9 13, 2014
-Runoffs will be held if needed.
-Election Results will be announced immediately following the
elections.
What can I run for?
Elections will be for class officers. Each grade will now have its own President, VicePresident, Treasurer and Secretary. This pool of elected officials will then constitute
the candidates for High School and Middle School President, Vice-President,
Treasurer and Secretary.
What are the requirements?
Must have all classes during the Fall and Spring Trimesters with a B- or
better average in each class.
Must currently have a B- or better grade in all current classes
No Dean’s Record and Good Attendance
Have and maintain the characteristics of demonstrating a positive
influence and role model within the WJPS Community
Why Run?
World Journalism Preparatory School Student Government consists of
elected officers, class officers, and other students who are interested in
helping plan & coordinate student activities such as dances, rallies, blood
drives, fundraisers, spirit days, lunchtime activities, and much more. The
Student Government also serves as student advocates to promote student
issues and concerns to the school community and administration.
How do I get my name on the ballot?
Pick up a Candidate’s Intent-to-Run form and Petition from Mr. Nisonoff or
from the school website.
World Journalism Preparatory School
2013-2014
CANDIDATE INTENT-TO-RUN FORM
PLEASE PRINT:
Name:_______________________________________
Grade/OFC:___________________________________
Email:_______________________________________
I wish to run for: (check one):
 12th Grade Class President (campaign and election)

12th Grade Class Vice President (campaign and election)

12th Grade Class Treasurer (campaign and election)

12th Grade Class Secretary (campaign and election)
 11th Grade Class President (campaign and election)

11th Grade Class Vice President (campaign and election)

11th Grade Class Treasurer (campaign and election)

11th Grade Class Secretary (campaign and election)
 10th Grade Class President (campaign and election)

10th Grade Class Vice President (campaign and election)

10th Grade Class Treasurer (campaign and election)

10th Grade Class Secretary (campaign and election)
 9th Grade Class President (campaign and election)

9th Grade Class Vice President (campaign and election)

9th Grade Class Treasurer (campaign and election)

9th Grade Class Secretary (campaign and election)
 8th Grade Class President (campaign and election)

8th Grade Class Vice President (campaign and election)

8th Grade Class Treasurer (campaign and election)

8th Grade Class Secretary (campaign and election)
 7th Grade Class President (campaign and election)

7th Grade Class Vice President (campaign and election)

7th Grade Class Treasurer (campaign and election)

7th Grade Class Secretary (campaign and election)
ΟI understand that I must have a C+ average or better in all my classes for the
first two trimesters and must currently have a C+ average or better in all my
classes for the third trimester.
ΟNo Dean’s Record and good Attendance
ΟHave and maintain the characteristics of positive influence and role model
ΟI pledge to conduct an honorable campaign, to obtain approval for all
campaign activity, and, if elected, to faithfully and responsibly fulfill the
obligations of the office. I acknowledge that failure to perform duties may result
in my removal from the ballot and from office.
Student Signature:______________________________________________________
Note to Parent/Guardian
Holding an elected office requires an investment of time on the part of the student. Some
activities will be at night and on weekends. Attendance at all meetings and activities is
expected. If you believe, as we do, that this is a good experience for students, and you are
willing to encourage your student during the coming year, please indicate your support by
signing below.
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________
Deadline to submit form: Friday May 26, 2014
WORLD JOURNALISM PREPARATORY SCHOOL
CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITIES
Intent-to-Run form
Due May 26, 2014
Nominating Petition
Due May 26, 2014
Candidate Position Essay
& Questionnaire
Due May 30, 2014
Election Week
June 9-13, 2014
All Posters and Campaign Materials must be cleared by
Administration. Candidates are responsible for the removal of
their own posters by May 28, 20114.
Candidate Position Essay, of 250 words or more, responding to all of
the following prompts:
-explain your reasons for running
-why you feel you are qualified
-what your vision and goals are for the Student Government
Candidate’s Campaign Material must be positive and in good taste,
with no reference to alcohol, drugs, or sexual related material. No
profanity or obscenities will be allowed. All speeches will be
previewed by Administration.
Candidate Questionnaire
Submit with your Candidate Position Essay no later than March 30th,
ATTACH YOUR TYPED RESPONSES TO THE QUESTIONS BELOW.
PLEASE PRINT:
Name:_______________________________________
Grade/OFC:___________________________________
Email:_______________________________________
I wish to run for: (Type or write in the grade and office for which you are running):
Have you ever served as a member of the Student Government? If so, in what
capacity?
Have you done any community service work? If yes, explain your
participation.
What other co-curricular activities (PSAL, drama, etc), if any, do you
participate in?
What is your favorite subject? Why?
What do you believe is the greatest priority of WJPS?
How best can the students be served by WJPS/Academy of American
Studies?
What is one thing you would change about WJPS that would benefit the
overall school culture?
THESE RESPONSES WILL BE PUBLISHED FOR
PUBLIC VIEW AMONG STUDENTS AND STAFF
Campaign and Election Procedures
Rules for Campaigning:
What is allowed?
1. Posters, buttons, flyers, stickers, t-shirts, and signs.
2. All campaign items being posted or distributed must be approved by Mr. Randle
and hung in appropriate spots. No candidate will be allowed to post more than 20
flyers around campus.
3. You must schedule any organized campaign events you are planning (i.e.
distributing flyers in the cafeteria).
4. You may gain assistance in your campaign from other students who can help you
(i.e. make and distribute flyers).
5. You will be allowed to use the Live For 5 for commercials for your campaign
6. You will be allowed to campaign in the Cafeteria.
What is not allowed?
1. Giving or promising anything, including food, drinks, and money, to people in
exchange for their vote.
2. Negative campaigning. Your campaign cannot be based on your dislike of your
opponent(s).
3. Damaging, destroying, or taking down anyone else’s campaign signs or posters.
This is grounds for your disqualification from the election.
4. There are no “tickets” or teams of candidates. Every person must campaign on
their own.
5. No use of the internet in any way except the WJPS website with the approval of
the WJPS Administration.
Election Week
1. Voting will take place by computer ballot.
2. Write-in ballots will be supplied to students who cannot vote on election day.
3. Suggestion: Dress to impress! If you want to be a leader, look like one!
__________________________________________________________________
Be prepared to tell people about yourself, your personality, your leadership
qualities, your experience as a leader, and how you will bring positive changes to the
school if you are elected. Be respectful of the other candidates when they give their
speeches.
WORLD JOURNALISM PREPARATORY SCHOOL
NOMINATING PETITION
Because it is important that a candidate get out and meet the students who will be
voting, each is asked to obtain the signatures of eligible voters as part of the preelection requirements. A student’s signature on this petition does not mean he or
she will vote for this candidate. It does, however, mean that the student is aware of
the fact that this person is a candidate for election and supports this person’s right
to run for a position in the Student Government. This petition should be filed no
later than Friday, May 3, 2013.
All Candidates are required to submit 40 signatures from their grade only!
WORLD JOURNALISM PREPARATORY SCHOOL
NOMINATING PETITION
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED STUDENTS, HEREBY PETITION THAT
________________________________________________
(Name of Candidate)
BE NOMINATED FOR THE POSITION OF
_______________________________________
IN THE 2013 STUDENT ELECTION.
Your signature on this petition only means that you are aware of my candidacy.
If you should decide to vote for me, I will be grateful for your support.
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PRINTED NAME
OFFICIAL
CLASS
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TEACHER SIGNATURES (must get 5 teachers to endorse your candidacy):
1.______________________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________
(Prohibited from endorsing candidates: Principal, Assistant Principals, and current Student
Government Officials)
ADVISOR SIGNATURE (must get your Advisor to endorse your
candidacy):_________________________________________________
Your Advisor must attach a copy of your most current transcript to this Petition prior to
submission to the Student Activities Office.
How to Win a Student Government Election
If you want to win a student council or student body election, the most important thing to
do is to appeal to your voters. Tell them why it is in their own interest to vote for you.
Show people which of your credentials are relevant to what they want to see happen.
1. Hang plenty of posters on the first few days of the campaign. Don't wait until the
last minute to hang them up, or you'll regret it. Make sure they stick out from posters for
other candidates, be creative!
2. Don't bribe, but be considerate to what the people want. You might pass out
bracelets, stickers, or buttons. Give them freely, whether or not you expect the recipient
to vote for you (maybe your generosity will pull them to your side).
3. Make your speech go with the flow. It's okay to plan your speech but don't make it
sound rehearsed. Use hand gestures frequently and talk with emotion, not a monotone
voice. Try to be plain and avoid confusing your target audience. Be honest and openminded.
4. Don't put yourself or another candidate down, even if it's a joke.
5. Be polite to the other candidates, it looks bad if you put them down. The voters
will consider the fact that you may lord your power over them.
6. Be prepared; people might pop random questions at you, so you will need to have
a good comeback for every conceivable question.
7. Be nice to people, but don't be plastic. Just be polite and friendly, but don't overdo it
- people can tell if you're just faking it.
8. Make sure you memorize your speech in time for any debate you may have. Don't
memorize it at the last minute.
9. Make sure you have a good platform, but be careful because if you don't follow
through with what you propose people won't elect you next time. Think about what
the school needs, and make sure teachers would want to follow through with your ideas.
If the teachers are on your side, you have a better chance!
10. Make sure your posters are catchy, diverse, and plentiful. Don't put posters that
are obscene up, even if some people would like it.
11. Make sure you stand up straight and make eye contact with everyone.
12. Be calm, cool, and collected.
13. Don't tell people"Vote for me!" Tell them, "Please consider me as your next Student
Government President."
14. Make up a catchy phrase for your poster. Here's an example: "Don't be silly, vote
for Lilly!"
15. Be really enthusiastic about this whole event. You wouldn't want people thinking
that you're uncommitted or a lazy candidate.
16. Also maybe during your speech tell them what you will do to make school fun.
Brainstorming on a sheet of paper helps.
17. Always write a rough draft before you type up your speech. This means that all
you have to do is copying on the computer
18. Remember to have good grades through the election or else people might think
you are not responsible enough for the job.
19. Make sure to be friendly to everyone even if they aren't going to vote for you.
20. Make sure you stand out of all the other people running against you.
21. Wear what you're running for. In this meaning if you are going for spirit maybe
wear your school colors on the day of the election.
22. Make sure to mention your leadership skills and/or any experience you have
with Student Government.
23. Take your campaign seriously. Don't just fool around, or people will not think you
will take the position seriously.
24. Be nice, but don't be fake.
25. Funny posters and advertising sells.
26. If you win, be polite and don't gloat; if you lost then congratulate the winner.
27. Remember this, you can't think that you'll just win automatically. You have to put all
your effort into it to make a difference.
28. Don't do things at the last minute.
Talk to People and Ask Them to Vote
A lot of times, when students go into the voting booth, they don't really know the candidates or
remember any of the platforms. All the campaigning just blends together into a blur, and they
vote for the only person they remember, or the only name they recognize.
Usually, nobody but the candidates themselves really cares very much about the outcome of the
election or thinks about the school's "issues" as much as the candidates wish they would.
So it really doesn't take all that much to get votes.
All you need is for students to, first, remember you; second, remember but not dislike you; and
third, go to the polls and vote. It's that simple.
People will remember and consider how you acted towards them personally far more than they'll
care about your speech, your posters, your platform, or anything else. Don't underestimate the
power of meeting and talking to people on a one-on-one basis.
In the voting booth, people will, for the most part, think about whether you were nice or snotty to
them; whether your campaign was good and heartfelt, lackluster, or annoying; and whether they
think you're going to be a good representative for the class or just someone on a personal powertrip.
It may not be fair, but such is life.
Don't make the mistake of thinking people are going to necessarily vote based on the criteria
they should. Don't assume anyone will necessarily vote for the best candidate. Don't assume
anyone even knows or cares who is the best candidate.
People usually vote for their friends -- it's true. But not necessarily their old friends. High school
students usually vote for the candidate they liked best during the campaign.
Sure, best friends always vote for their best friends, and small cliques usually support the
members of their own clique. But probably 80% of the voters are up for grabs. Most of them (if
they vote at all) will think about what they've seen in the campaign and then vote for the person
who left them with the best impression -- often, the only candidate who took the time to talk to
them personally and ask them to vote.
Picture this scenario: you're walking down the hall, and you see two candidates. One is busy
hanging posters, the other is hanging around with the students and chatting. The first one sees
you but turns his/her back to you (he/she must think the posters are more important than the
students), the other smiles and introduces him/herself, gives you a sticker, and asks you to please
remember to vote. Which one would you prefer to support? Which one do you think will do a
better job of representing the students?
How about this: you're in an elevator with two other students. One stares at his book or at the
floor and pretends you're not there, the other simply says "hi." That's it. The elevator stops and
you go your separate ways. You don't really give it much thought, but everything else being
equal, which person do you like more? Which one would you rather see win?
It's tiny little interactions like these that get you votes. Believe it or not.
Remember, you don't have to get all the votes. It doesn't have to be unanimous. You just have to
get one more vote than each one of your competitors. The more candidates you're running
against (the more chances there are to split the votes), the fewer votes you need.
Even if the vast majority of the votes go to your opponents -- for example, out of 100 votes, if
two of your opponents each get 33 votes (2/3 of the votes are NOT for you) and you get 34 votes
(only just slightly over 1/3 of the votes) -- who wins?
Winning by one vote is as good as winning by a hundred.
Every vote you can get is important.
Remember, not everyone votes! The winning candidate is often simply the one who got the most
people to go cast ballots!
People who you've encouraged to go vote will usually vote for you. You don't even have to say
"vote for me." If you ask people merely to "please be sure to vote" or "please remember to make
a choice" instead of saying "vote for me," it sounds better. It's more humble. It's more socially
acceptable. Of course they know that you want them to vote only for you. But if you focus on the
best interest of the class (letting the voters choose the best candidate) instead of selfishly
promoting yourself, more students will respond to your request (cast a vote), and they'll most
likely vote for you anyway because they appreciate your attitude.
Don't assume people will vote. You should ask them to.
If it's true at your school that most people don't care about elections, then this apathy is your
biggest obstacle and your best friend. You'll be way ahead of the competition if you can put
yourself in the shoes of a voter and realize that students need a reason to vote for you. The fact
that they like you and want to support you is the easiest and most effective reason.
The best candidate doesn't always win! The one who campaigns the best (without being fake)
and who gets the most people to vote does.
If you recognize that every single individual vote you can get is important, and you concentrate
your energies on getting individual people to vote for you, you'll have a tremendous advantage
over the candidates who think in terms of mass-marketing and believe that slick posters alone
will turn into "everyone" voting for them.
In the voting booth, there is no "everyone," there are only individuals.
Use the campaign as an excuse to be friendly and talk to people. Let your classmates know that
you're running and that you want to help improve the school. Push yourself to say hello to people
and initiate conversations -- in hallways, in elevators, in cafeteria lunch lines -- anywhere and
anytime you can. Running for election gives you something to talk about. It gives you a reason,
an excuse to talk to people you usually don't get to.
They know you want something from them. You don't have to hit them over the head with it. Just
relax and be friendly.
Don't turn your back to students in the hallways and hang more posters; hang around in the
hallways and talk to more students!
It's all about people. Everything else is secondary.
The Right Attitude
The number one most important thing you need to win a high school election is the right attitude.
That doesn't mean "think positive, gray skies are gonna clear up, the sun'll come out tomorrow,
look on the bright side and pretend everything's Marsha Brady" -- it doesn't mean be fake-cheery
and annoyingly-peppy -- it means be the right kind of person.
Elections are not like blind computer-graded tests where everyone is treated equally. Students vote
for who they like, not necessarily who they think is best-qualified. The students who you think are
most "popular" may not necessarily be the best liked. If they're snotty and disliked, your class may
in fact be happy to vote against them.
Everyone has natural enemies -- you can't please everyone -- but for the most part, your attitude
about the election, and your attitude in general (the way you treat people) is the biggest reason your
peers will want to vote for you or against you.
A humble, friendly, fun, positive attitude will make people like you and want to vote for you. On the
other hand, a stuck-up and self-concerned attitude will create enemies and resentment, and
definitely lose votes for you.
Keep in mind that an attitude is something you carry with you at all times. It will come through to
everyone around you in your speech, your campaigning, and your posters. It is the kind of person
you should choose to be, not something you can act like.
Be a friendly, approachable, nice, easy-to-be-around kind of person (the kind of person who smiles
a lot and is genuinely glad to talk to everyone), and you'll have a much easier time getting people to
support you.
Elections aren't about posters, they're about PEOPLE.
Smile. Talk to people. You don't have to already be "friends" with people to be friendly with them.
Don't look at campaigning as something you've "got" to do -- look at it as something you "get" to
do -- use it as an opportunity to have some fun, and as a reason to push yourself to be a little more
outgoing than usual.
The number one piece of advice repeated over and over and over by more than 1,000 students
about how to win a high school election was this: BE YOURSELF!
DON'T turn into Mr. or Ms. Slick Willie at election time. Don't plastic-smile and kiss babies. Don't
pretend you're perfect. Don't try to be someone you're not.
Be relaxed! Be friendly! Just talk to people!
Above all, be yourself. There's nothing more appealing than someone who is natural and who
doesn't put up a false front.
Your classmates have to want to vote for you. They will want to vote for you if they like you. They
will like you if you have a positive, easygoing, accessible, friendly, and genuine attitude.
The Top Ten Ways
to Win a High School Election:
10. Don't give up by not trying. PUSH YOURSELF to go for it! 9. Don't overdo it
with the posters, they're not what people base their votes on. KEEP THE
PUBLICITY CUTE AND SIMPLE, and focus instead on being the most genuine,
approachable, easy-going candidate running -- be a "people person." 8. Keep the
ATTITUDE that you're just a typical, normal student, a peer who wants to work
hard for the class and who has concrete ideas and real enthusiasm for the job. Do
not get self-important or act political. Do not plastic-smile and kiss babies. 7. Be
friendly and TALK TO EVERYONE, not just the popular people. Hang around in
the hallways and meet the students, don't turn your back on them to hang more
posters. 6. ASK PEOPLE TO VOTE. Especially the people who normally
wouldn't vote at all. The person with the most support doesn't win, the person with
the most votes does. Get them to the polls! 5. Keep your campaign speech SHORT.
All the candidates are qualified, so don't list all your credentials. Quickly show that
you're fun, that you have ideas, that you're sincere, and that you want the job, and
then shut up and sit the heck down. 4. Have a FUNNY campaign speech. Nothing
wins the attention of high school students like humor. Don't be too silly, but don't be
too serious. Ask your friends to help you write your speech, and PRACTICE
beforehand, because preparation is the key to conquering nerves. Funny speeches
usually win school elections. 3. Don't be fake, JUST BE YOURSELF. 2. Don't be
fake, JUST BE YOURSELF. 1. Don't be fake, JUST BE YOURSELF.