On Tuesday November 8, eighth-grader Jonah Tristan was elected the president of the United States of MacArthur.  The results were announced at the end of the day, during sixth period.

For weeks, eighth graders had the decision of voting their new president.  The two candidates who passed the primaries were eighth-graders Joselin Nunez and Jonah Tristan.  Both candidates had won their primaries and debated each other.  As winner, Jonah took the role of president during model congress.

When deciding to run for president, the candidates have to make many decisions, such as picking two trustworthy students as either their vice-president or the campaign manager.

Eighth grader Natalie Ruiz said, “Running for president was very challenging but in the end, I was glad that I tried for the election and I am very full with nothing but compassion that we have two such great students running for president.”

These nominees both had to face many obstacles before making it this far.  Each candidate running for president had to answer 20 questions about the U.S. government and pass with a score higher than 70%.  Having passed, each candidate had to have 20 eighth grade signatures on their petition sheet.

After finishing the qualifications, the nominees were elected in primaries.  The primaries occurred about two weeks before the general election.  During the primaries and general election, candidates were also then allowed to publicize their campaign with posters, catchy slogans, pins, etc.

Eighth grade Social Studies teacher Mr. David Chee said, “The greatest obstacle each candidate will face are the other great candidates running”.

After there were only two candidates left in the race, eighth grade students voted for who would take on the position as president.  As in the real election, the candidate to reach 270 electoral votes from the electoral college.  The electoral college were the classes which are separated into the 50 states of the United States. The way to win 270 electoral votes is by trying to win the states with the largest number of votes.

Once elected, the president had duties to complete as part of model congress.  For example, the president has to work with congress to suggest laws.  Also they get to nominate supreme court justices.

Chee also said, “There were some great eighth grade candidates, proud and willing to put everything they got on the line to run for the president of MacArthur.”