本日、高校では生徒会長選挙が行われました。

壇上に上がった3名とそれぞれの推薦者は、順々にステージに上がり、自分の思いや学校への提案を堂々と、そして熱く語りました。演説を聞く生徒たちは真剣な表情で演説に耳を傾けていました。

演説の後はいよいよ投票の時間となりました。投票の準備と運営は選挙管理委員会に立候補した生徒を中心に行われました。そして、記述台と投票箱は、実は唐津市の市役所にお借りした、本物です！

本番さながらの環境の中で投票を行うことで、民主的な意思決定の大切さを実感できる機会となったでしょう。

投票後、生徒たちに「その候補者を選んだ理由」を聞いてみると、

「安心して学校を任せられそうだったから」
「先生方とも積極的に対話しながら、学校をより良くしてくれそうだと思った」
「立候補者の学校を良くしようというビジョンが魅力的だったから」
「普段から関わりのある先輩ですが、いつも熱心で周りを引っ張ってくれる存在だから」

など、一人ひとりがしっかりと自分なりの視点を持って投票している様子がうかがえました。

演説を通して、“どんな学校にしたいのか”“そのために何ができるのか”を考える時間にもなった今回の選挙。
投票する側の生徒たちの姿からも、学校を自分たちの手でより良くしていこうとする意識の高まりが感じられました。

Today, the high school held its Student Council President Election. 

The three candidates, along with the classmates that nominated them, took the stage one by one to champion their ideas, aspirations, and proposals for the future of the school. Speaking with confidence and passion, each candidate made a case for their vision to the student body, who listened attentively as they carefully weighted each candidate’s vision. 

Following the speeches, it was time to vote. The election was organized and conducted almost entirely by the students who volunteered for the Election Management Committee. Adding to the authenticity of the experience, the voting booths and ballot boxes used for this election were actually the very same ones used by the Karatsu City government, who kindly loaned them to us for the day. 

Casting ballots in an environment that closely resembles a real election gave students firsthand experience the importance of democratic decision-making. 

After the vote, several students were asked why they had chosen their candidate. 

Some commented,

“I felt I could trust the person I voted for to lead our school.”

“I think the candidate I chose will work closely with teachers and help make our school even better.”

“I was inspired by my candidate’s vision for improving the school.”

“This is a senior I know well, and they are always dedicated and willing to take the lead.”

Their responses show that they carefully considered the candidates and cast their votes based on their own perspectives and values.

The results will be announced during the lunch break tomorrow. In addition to selecting a new Student Council president, the election provided an opportunity for everyone to reflect on what kind of school they want to create and what they can contribute to help that vision come to fruition.