Student Government sponsor Kari Miller was used to seeing her students before they started running for their positions in the spring. This year, she had to adapt. It would be the only time that student government elections were ever held in the fall, with virtual meetings and online voting for the first time.

“Mrs. Bearss and I spent a lot of time working together last year and over the summer,” Miller said. “It was something we were moving towards anyways, so we were prepared for this.”

Miller held a virtual meeting on Aug. 5 for students who wished to participate in Student Government. Students can run for their class positions, which included President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and three to five Senators to vote on decisions and fill in for other positions if necessary. Students are expected to look over the intent to run form and the Student Constitution which informs the student of their positions and responsibilities they wish to run for.

“We had a great turn-out at our informational meeting, so maybe it’s more convenient,” Miller said. “[The] improved participation is great.”

Students previously had to get six teacher recommendations, 25 students to sign a petition, and one administrator’s signature in order to run. Students running for positions only had to get three teacher nominations. Campaigning was shortened this year as well, only lasting from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, and students had to adjust. 

“I am adjusting to this campaign period by posting daily on my social media and telling my friends more often so that they remember to vote,” senior Taylor Gilman said.

Students running this year are using social media, posters, and word-of-mouth to campaign this year. Social media and the internet are students’ greatest assets due to coronavirus and some candidates not being able to come to school and relying on virtual meetings. 

“I think it allows more people to be involved if they want to be since they don’t have to stay at school,” senior Gina Dilulo said. “They can listen in on the car ride and not have to worry about a ride home from a meeting.”

Each student is assigned to a grade level eCampus page where students can vote for candidates at their class level under voting and surveys. Voting has been announced via eCampus for Sept. 3. 

“Although I do like the online voting I think more people will be willing to vote knowing they don’t have to go and do it with everyone watching,” Dilulo said.