It was an intense campaign year for the student body officer elections. The four candidates running for ASB president fought hard to gain the votes of the student body- sometimes even dirty.

The results of the ASB presidential election in May were nullified because of slanderous remarks made on MySpace between two of the candidates. Principal Jan Davis and Leadership Coordinator Sophie Sabbah dealt with the two candidates accordingly and no one was disqualified. The result was a restart of the ASB presidential race.

On Thursday, May 30, during the MEChA assembly, candidates Malleke Lord, Lili Rayzgoza, Stephanie Diaz-Sandoval, and Luis Sanchez stood in front of the student body and delivered two-minute speeches explaining why they are the best choice for ASB president. This was the first time in recent Venice history that student officer candidates have given a speech before voting.

The walls of the West Gym reverberated loudly with the voices of the voters (excluding the seniors) of Venice High. A tiny podium was positioned on the free-throw line, next to it sat the four ASB presidential candidates. Ms. Sabbah called up Lili Rayzgoza first.

"Hi I'm Lili Rayzgoza, and if you vote for me all your dreams will come true." began the junior, her black rimmed glasses giving a strong impression of professionalism. She continued her speech listing different qualities she felt a leader needed to exhibit and that she believed she possessed.

Then Diaz-Sandoval approached the podium. She spoke clearly and energetically, trying to ally herself with the audience "I've worked hard to get where I am today, and if I become president I will make an effort to listen to the suggestions of all the students at Venice."

Lord went up next, taking the microphone comfortably in hand and speaking to friends in the crowd. He mentioned that he wants to win the presidency for his teachers and he will work hard to represent Venice positively.



Next Sanchez took the stand. His speech was well prepared and contained a detailed list of things that he believed need changing at Venice High. "When I came to this school in 9th grade, I realized changes needed to be made, and that's why I'm running for president," Sanchez said.

When the speeches were over, Ms. Sabbah mentioned that the polls will be opened for the rest of the week, and students could vote for their choice during lunch.

Unfortunately, unlike the high 50% turnout of the May election, the re-election turnout initially was a mere 3%. Only 100 students voted during the three days.

"Many students didn't understand that they needed to revote." Ms. Sabbah said. Because of this, the polls were opened for an additional two days, giving more people time to vote.

On Monday, June 11, the polls closed. A total of 300 people voted, 10% of the Venice student body, and a big enough percentage to make a decision.

"I really didn't want to bring the choice to a panel." Ms. Sabbah said, referring to the need for a penal decision if not enough students voted. "It's the student body president, therefore it should be chosen by the students."



The 2008 student body election is indeed one for the record books. Many of the election processes that were started this year continue in the future.

"From now on we will hold ASB presidential speeches during the MEChA assembly every year," said Ms. Sabbah.