Q&A for How to Make a Great Student Council Campaign

You should still run. A lot of potentials underestimate the number of students who vote based on who will do the best job in a position, instead claiming it's "just a popularity contest." Plus, depending on the size of your school, you could end up running unopposed for the position you want.

Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses; nobody is "better" than you. Emphasize the areas you're strong in that your opponent lacks: grades, involvement in clubs or sports, community service, etc. Find ways to play up your advantages to illustrate how they would make you an effective leader and asset to the council.

Just be happy for them. Don't start to talk about them behind their back. Congratulate them.

It depends on a lot of factors. Your type of school, the population, and/or ethnicity of your school. If by harsh you mean don't single anyone out, don't make racist comments, and don't muddle your opponent. Keep your speech strictly to want you want to accomplish and that's it. This isn't a Donald Trump presidential run where you can mudsling all day long. You have one time to make a real impression, so do it right!

Yes. Making your poster decorative and making it stand out will make you seem creative and interesting. That will make people want to vote for you even more.

Show them kindness first, and they should respond with kindness back to you! Encourage them and praise their efforts. Always be nice, keep your annoyance and anger toward them to yourself.

Listen to the campaign speeches, and choose the person you agree with most.

Even if you are new, you should still try. Introduce yourself to your peers, hang posters, and make good speeches. It doesn't matter if you're not popular. A girl from my old school ran for secretary, nobody knew her, but she won by unanimous vote, and soon everybody in the whole school knew her!

Just talk to your friend and let him know that you support him no matter what happens. Run a clean campaign, don't say anything negative about your friend. If he does win, congratulate him warmly.

Use words like "I will" instead of "I will try."

Try to make friends. At lunch time, go around to tables and tell people that you're running. Tell them what you would do for the school. The more friends you have, the more supporters.

Exude confidence and do not make promise you won't be able to keep. Base your entire campaign on actionable items and talk about how you will get things done, not just the goals you have.

Think about the issues in your school, then brainstorm ways to fix them. For example, if your library collection is outdated, suggest having a book drive in the community.

Simply say that you will be sure to assist your community's needs and that you will make sure to assist the president in helping his/her actions be fulfilled.

It depends on the specific school. You could put a drop box for people to drop some suggestions in if you need ideas.

Don't stoop to their level. Run a clean campaign and follow the rules. Consider reporting your opponent to a teacher/whatever faculty member is in charge of student council.

That doesn't guarantee that they will win. Just try to run a clean campaign and present your best ideas so that people will want to vote for you. Most likely your voters won't be swayed by a teacher's opinions, they will make up their own minds.