Petition for a Fair and Democratic Class Election at Central High School
At Central High School in Champaign, we believe that student government should represent the voices, ideas, and diversity of the entire student body. However, the current ballot for class officers does not reflect a fair or democratic process. Several positions — including President and Treasurer — offer only one candidate, leaving students with no real choice. A ballot with only one option is not an election — it is a confirmation.

 
Why This Matters
A healthy school democracy requires transparency, accessibility, and meaningful student participation. When students are only given a single name to vote for, the election becomes symbolic rather than functional. This denies students the opportunity to evaluate candidates based on merit, leadership ability, and vision. It also discourages participation in future elections, limits leadership development, and undermines trust in the student government system.

We want to make it clear:
Our concern is with the system — not the candidates.
The individuals running deserve respect and recognition for stepping forward. However, a fair process must ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to run and that voters have real choices.

1. A Fair Election Should Include:
2. Multiple candidate options for each position
3. Equal opportunity for all interested students to run
4. Transparent candidate application and approval guidelines
5. Adequate time and communication for students to declare candidacy
6. An inclusive process free from barriers, favoritism, or limited access
 
What We Are Asking For
By signing this petition, we respectfully request that Central High School administration and student government organizers:

1. Reopen the candidate application process.
2. Allow additional students the opportunity to declare candidacy.
3. Reschedule the election once every position has at least two candidates.
 
Why This Petition Matters
This is not simply about one election — it is about setting a precedent for fairness, representation, and student empowerment now and in the future. Student government influences real aspects of school life, including planning, leadership, communication, event decisions, and representation of student concerns. Every student deserves a voice in who represents them.

A school that encourages leadership must also protect the integrity of the democratic process.