Have you ever thought about how the SMOB process works? Or who helps elections run so smoothly? The Special Elections Committee (SEC) is a student-run service that handles the details that go into running the Student Member Of The Board (SMOB) elections. The SEC has representatives from every high school and many middle schools.
The SEC was created for outreach between schools and positions of power. They act as a branch between students and the SMOB. They also help make elections run smoothly, so everyone has a chance to vote and have their voices heard. The SEC has different departments. Outreach focuses on contacting the SMOB and facilitating communications; Grievances ensures that everyone follows protocols; Public Relations is in charge of setting up links and social media information for students to know what is going on with the SMOB; and Events hosts workshops and other events.
For elections, the SEC is in charge of the ballot link, which allows students to vote for the SMOB candidate electronically. It is also in charge of Meet The Candidates, a pre-recorded show given t0 all middle schools and high schools in a question and answer format for the two SMOB finalists. The committee also is in charge of the timeline for the candidates and election, protocols, election manual, and voter’s guide. By enforcing such rules and regulations, the SEC ensures a fair and transparent election for all.
The SEC is also divided into different committees. You can become a general member of the SEC or a board member. The general members have no voting rights; rather, they represent their school in the SEC and they participate in discussions and attend events. Board members have voting rights and are required to attend every meeting and join a MCPS SEC subcommittee, among other responsibilities. While in the SEC, you cannot run for SMOB or any officer position and cannot affiliate yourself with any candidate. The SEC provides MCPS students with all the information on SMOB and MCR-SGA elections. Without the SEC, our SMOB’s election process would not run as smoothly as it does currently.
Written by Isabella Silver of Winston Churchill High School
Photo courtesy of MCR-SGA