The 2018 Student Body President Election Season Begins as Packets Become Available

Michael Martinez after being named Student Body President in Spring 2017

The beginning of this year’s annual Student Body President (SBP) election starts today, Friday, January 26.

Several students will be filling out their election packets in the coming weeks. Nominees will be participating in a formal debate and a bonanza debate, giving speeches, and solidifying their platforms in the days to come, in hopes of being given the title of "Student Body President" for the 2018-2019 academic year.

According to an Empire State Tribune poll on Twitter with 75 respondents, the student body said they think the culture of the honor code as well as student org representation will be the most significant topics of this year’s election.

Two other issues to be thinking about are Christian formation and the overcrowding of space and events on campus, according to current SBP Michael Martinez ('20).

Martinez says that leading the cabinet is the most important role of SBP. Whom they nominate for the cabinet positions determines the decisions made for the year.

Martinez says that leading the cabinet is the most important role of SBP. Whom they nominate for the cabinet positions determines the decisions made for the year. The SBP puts most of his or her time and effort into overseeing the cabinet and making sure it is moving a direction that supports the King’s community at large.

“The to-do list of my cabinet is higher than my own to-do list,” said Martinez. “It is my job to make sure they have everything they need to do [it].”

Martinez also said that the SBP needs to be excited about as many things he or she can. He believes that, even when something might initially seem inconsequential, every initiative is a high priority to the people spearheading the ideas. The SBP should match that excitement, if not surpass it, every time.

Martinez says a Student Body President of King’s has three roles according to the council bylaws.

First, the SBP leads the student body. It is the president's job to attempt to synthesize the culture and and interests of the King’s students. The SBP must be a representative of the students to the council and school administration.

Second, the SBP is chair of the council. The SBP has to steer the council in a direction that supports his or her platform and be vocal about the needs and wants of the student body.

Third, the SBP manages the executive cabinet.

Martinez suggested that SBP nominees not promise cabinet member positions during their campaigns, as it is a risky move they might reconsider later.  However, if nominees do decide to make cabinet member promises, Martinez encourages voters to attempt to envision they are casting a vote for that whole team. Ultimately, the cabinet as a unit directs the performance of student life at King’s.

Martinez said the next SBP will have to be someone who is passionate about King’s and who can empathize with the students on issues that matter the most to them. He or she must serve as a representative of the student body, which means trying to synthesize the student culture, understand its interests, and act as a liaison between the students and college administration. It is not about representing the college in fundraising capacities—it is about loving the school and its students.

“You don’t have to be pretty in a cocktail dress to do this job,” Martinez said.

Voting will take place February 2nd. Until then, here are the important dates to know:

February 7: Election packets due
February 8: Campaigning will take place until voting occurs.
February 13: First SBP debate
February 15: SBP Bonanza  
February 19: Final speeches in the City Room
February 19, 1:30 p.m.-February 20, 12:00 a.m.: Voting

Assuming no runoff election is needed, the new SBP will be announced on Wednesday, February 21 at 12:15 p.m. in the first floor lobby.