AHS’s 2025 election season

AHS hosts its annual ASB and class officer elections with a multi-step, multi-day campaign process

Staff Writer

Campaigning for elected officer positions in ASB began on January 19th at 8 P.M., kicking off the two weeks of AHS’s annual election season. Students have the opportunity to vote for fellow classmates, having them fill positions in ASB such as president, vice president, and chief justice. They can also vote for class-based leadership, such as Class President, vice president, or senator.

“I began planning out my campaign not even weeks, [but] months in advance,” said current ASB President Avishi Baldwa (12). “It was very busy leading up to my campaign because I wanted to make sure that everything was detailed and really reflected me authentically.”

The stresses of planning a campaign long term applies to all candidates, even if they go uncontested. Ayush Sharma (11) is the current ASB Vice President, and the uncontested candidate for ASB President. “For vice president and president, I was unopposed both years. And despite that, I still was very, very stressed,” said Sharma. “It’s just inbound thinking, even if I was unopposed.”

Throughout the brief election cycle, candidates have to face the struggle of worrying about the actual campaign, who their new fellow officers may be, or even plans for the coming year.

Posters for ASB candidates hang from the stairs to the Eagle’s Nest. “Running for office also brings out the creative side of me, and because of elections, I have learned to design and make posters and flyers,” said Emily Su (12) (Photo Credit: Aditya Padinjarel (12)).

“Although it can be a little nerve-wracking and stressful during election season, I like how it brings me closer to everyone,” said Senior Class Senator Emily Su (12), who has run in elections for all four years of high school. “Overall, I think the support throughout this whole process is the best part, just seeing how everyone is always there for you.”

While elections are held around the same time every year, each election cycle brings new approaches to campaigning and emotions for candidates. “This year, there’s definitely less people, so that meant more eyes were on you. But people tend to be more involved with class elections because more of their friends are running. So it was definitely a different experience,” said chief justice candidate Jane Park (11).

Unlike prior elections, the 2025 ASB election has seen a lack in candidates. Ayush Sharma and Hiba Kathawala were elected as ASB President and ASB VP respectively with no contest. Ashish Stephen, Jane Park, and Orna Paul ran for chief justice, with the victory going to Ashish Stephen.

This year, elected officers have had to adapt to multiple plan changes, such as the cancellation of the Winter Wonderland dance—a challenge newly-elected officers will have to take on. “I believe a strong candidate is one that is adaptable,” Senior Class Senator Jeffrey Wu said. “It is extremely rare for campaign week to go as one envisions it, so it’s extremely important to be able to adapt and make changes throughout the week.”

It takes time, and a community, to build any campaign, high-school elections included. “You have to be willing to do things on your own time, but there’s also passion that goes into it,” Park said. “Genuinely command the room, but also work with the people around you because you can’t be a leader without the help of others.”

Posters for all class officer candidates hang on top of lockers in front of the SAC. “Running for office also brings out the creative side of me, and because of elections, I have learned to design and make posters and flyers,” said Emily Su (12) (Photo Credit: Aditya Padinjarel (12)).