Q&A for How to Win Votes in a School Election

Just start with some base ideas, like why you want to be elected and what leadership skills you have. Then, after you have all your base ideas, start adding little bits like some humor and a slogan, maybe.

To most of your fellow student voters, your reasons for running aren't going to be nearly as important as what you can do for them. Why you're running is because you saw ways the school could improve, and you're dedicated to make the following list of great changes that will benefit all... making sure, of course, that you're able to deliver.

Don't sink to their level by being mean back. Be kind and friendly to everyone, even those who are disrespectful. If people make rude comments, ignore them. You're much more likely to get votes if you maintain a positive attitude at all times.

Put up a poster or flyers. It can be a great way to spread the message without literally calling a lot of attention to yourself. However, if you are running, it would probably help you to get yourself out there and connect with people.

Get votes by making friends. Just start saying hi to everyone in the halls and act cheerful and kind to people you somewhat know, but aren't officially friends with, yet.

Focus on your speech. Make it memorable, and talk about all the things you want to do to improve the school. Try incorporating some jokes, or even a catchphrase that people can repeat back to you (nothing silly, something that actually relates to your campaign). Also, network with your classmates! You do't have to give stuff out to make an impression on someone.

Check Write a Speech for School Elections for some good pointers.

Use being an underdog to your advantage, people love to root for an underdog. Also, try talking and getting to more people. The more people get to know and like you, the more votes you will get.

Make it sound exciting and fun. Advertise the club, and make announcements, spread the news, etc. Tell your friends about it and get their friends to tell their friends, and so on.

If your friends are voting for someone else, you can convince them to vote for you and not someone else, and make more friends by expanding your friends circle. This might not happen in the time span you have, but you can talk to more people so that they know who you are. Make as many posters, buttons, t-shirts, etc., as you can. Remember, if your friends are not voting for you, you're all alone until you get a proper campaign team, which can be difficult without the people who know you best by your side.

Make your campaign eye-catching and bright, maybe even use being unpopular to your advantage. You could do this by asking people who are not so popular to vote.

Be nice to everyone, no bribery or blackmail! Your best bet is showing your peers you care and want to make them happier. Trust needs to be earned. Ask them how they'd like to see the school improved, and tell them your own ideas. If they agree with you, they'll probably vote for you.

Be nice to them, smile and be kind. Get to know them, tell them you are running and ask politely for them to vote for you.

Just like a logo, you can add colors red and yellow, which is eye catching and add big fonts for people to be drawn to those words first. Give ideas that haven't yet been published and keep your message logical.

Put the word out that you are running, make posters, and have an attractive campaign and a convincing speech. However, DO NOT try to make others look bad. Not only is it hurtful, it reflects poorly on you. DO say things that you know voters will want to hear, like that you want to make the school a better place and you want to hear other people’s ideas.

Don't even think like this. Go in there with a confident attitude, even if you're totally faking it. Get up there feeling good and ready to win, with your shoulders back and your head held high. Take slow, even breaths, and focus on what you're saying. You can do it!

Make new friends and interact with everyone. Remember people's names. Ask people what they care about at school and really listen. Use that information in your campaign.

Start with making notes about why you think you should have the position you're running for, and why people should vote for you. Try to make these notes as short as possible, but don't leave out any important details. Use whatever time you have left to add some humor, a slogan, and maybe some more details about yourself. Finally, arrange all your notes together and do a bit of overall editing. Then while giving the speech, try to be as confident as possible!

Then you will need to change the subject as soon as possible. Begin to state other ideas and whatever else is in your speech.

You could move them away from students or help them in after school tutoring to help them improve.

Hang it up and stick things to it, like postcards from supporters, motivational quotes, posters, etc. Stand in front of it to talk to people and persuade them. Talk to as many people as possible, telling them that you're running, and share your ideas, and ask them for suggestions, which you can write down and pin on the tarpaulin while they're standing there. People respond better if they think you're genuinely interested.

You can give out small beverages or a snack like a granola bar, small packet of dried fruit or bliss balls. Or, give away things like pens, pencils, notepads, stress balls, USB sticks, lanyards, fridge magnets, caps, bags, posters, calendars, lip gloss, sunscreen, mouse pads, sewing kits, etc. A lot of these items can have your face, name or campaign slogan printed on them, if you have the resources to do so.