By Katie Busch
It’s almost the end of the year which means, class and SGA elections are amongst us. These elections are a time to vote for those willing to serve their class and their school. But will these candidates be chosen for their competence or character?
It’s no big secret that many candidates are voted for based on popularity and likeability. Students are more likely to vote for their friend (which is understandable) over a student who they don’t know but are clearly more competent for the job. Should the kid who is more competent for office be elected or the kid who is most liked by their class? It’s hard to give a clear answer on that.
For one thing, more popular students should be elected because they know their class and would represent them well. On the other hand if we voted based on competence alone the class would be assured someone who will get things done.
The voter must then choose between loyalty to their friend or the more qualified candidate. Unfortunately for the more competent, we already know the answer: loyalty beats qualifications every time.
