Delegation Resource Manual: Month by Month Implementation Guide
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YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Activity (Elections): How To Run For Office And Get Elected
Part One – Competition Makes the Program Stronger
In recent years, one side of the state or the other suffered a terrible lack of competition for
all offices, including the major offices.
Several reasons are apparent for this turn of events:
o
Failure of clubs to submit registration materials on time = poor excuse
o
Too many people wanting to debate, but, not necessarily research and write bills
o
Reluctance of some individuals to run against friends in the program
o
Failure of club officers to aggressively recruit delegates to seek office
Too few candidates poses several problems:
o
Lack of excitement at the Election Convention
o
Potentially a lack of qualified officeholders = ramifications for Model Legislature
As officers, you must accept responsibility for ensuring that your side of the state has strong
competition for every office from Speaker to Sargeant-at-Arms.
o
Target younger delegates!
o
Get them to focus on their long-term involvement in the program…what do they
ultimately want to do? Work with them to set personal goals and objectives
o
Urge them to start in a position from which they can observe the process and learn
o
For example…1st year: Commonwealth House = learn to debate and preside
o
2nd year: Committee Chair using experience from Commonwealth House
o
3rd year: Speaker or Lieutenant Governor
o
4th year: Governor
o
Another example…1st year: Cabinet Secretary
o
2nd year: Liaison
o
3rd year: Chief of Staff
o
4th year: Governor
o
Develop a strategic plan for each of your first year members whether its 4 or 3 or
even 2 years.
Part Two – Delegation Elections
Those who run for office are representing your club. They should be the best candidates.
Encourage those interested in running to make that known to the entire club and encourage
them to campaign for votes within the club.
Give all of those seeking office within your club a fair opportunity to present themselves to
the club and ask for the club’s support.
Make certain the election process is conducted seriously and openly (except for secret ballots)
Have EVERY candidate, whether opposed or unopposed, make a presentation to the club
BEFORE you formally nominate him/her.
Establish election rules BEFORE you start the process and make certain all delegates are
familiar with it. Then conduct your elections!
