Following class elections from March 24-28, students will be campaigning for ASB positions from April 7-11, ASB president, senior Sophie Park said.

The leadership team plans to improve the election process by increasing transparency in campaign expectations, fostering inclusivity and creating a smooth transition process for those elected, ASB secretary, junior Evangeline Park said.

To meet these goals, ASB’s priority is opening roles to a more diverse population, as leadership traditionally only attracts a specific group of people, Evangeline Park said.

“This year, we want to be really intentional about recruiting people who might not usually be in leadership, such as introverts and people who are not as involved in school leadership,” Evangeline Park said. “Not only can they get experience, but they can [also] bring new perspectives into the leadership class.”

To improve the election process and get more people involved, ASB is currently planning a new mentorship program, which will encourage new candidates to participate in the election process. The program will make the structure less confusing for candidates and allow for these candidates’ questions to be answered in more detail, Sophie Park said.

“We would pair people who’ve done elections in the past with current candidates so that if [candidates] have any questions or something that’s bothering them, they won’t be afraid to ask,” Sophie Park said.

Aside from logistical challenges, the election process comes with psychological stress, Sophie Park said. Some candidates have faced negative comments from peers, creating an unhealthy election atmosphere — an issue that ASB hopes to address better this year, Sophie Park added.

“We hope to facilitate a more respectful environment for both candidates and the people who are voting to make sure that each candidate is well prepared to express their ideas to the public, and also that the public is polite and maintains a respectful atmosphere on campus,” Sophie Park said.

Echoing this sentiment, leadership teacher Hector Almendarez said ASB is trying to help candidates scared of facing negative responses more carefully.

“We want to try to leverage the staff to be more vigilant about the negative comments and actions that happen to the candidates. We are trying to be protective of the students who are running and campaigning because it shouldn’t be something that they fear. It’s not necessary and it shouldn’t be a part of the process,” Almendarez said. “I know it’s scary, but we will support the students and show them that they can do it.”