When current freshman class vice president Katie Chen heard that many of her classmates were planning to run for the upcoming sophomore student government elections, she realized that there would be a lot more competition than last year.

In fact, the competition this year is so intense that Chen is being forced to run against one of her fellow class office members, freshman Erica Lee, for the sophomore president position.

The class officer elections have seen increasing competition compared to past elections, especially among incoming sophomores and juniors.

Chen notes that one of the main reasons for so much competition this year is because more electives are offered to higher grade levels. Compared to freshman year, where only two elective slots were offered, sophomores and juniors have more space in their schedules and can afford to take Leadership.

In addition to more leadership positions being available, sophomore Cameron Chow, a first-time campaigner who plans to run for junior class secretary or class representative, gives other reasons for wanting to join class office.

“As you grow up, you gain more confidence, and once you hit a higher grade level, you feel like you can do more,” he said. “I want to help out the school, and class office has a good atmosphere.”

Chen observes that the competition has risen mainly because “most of the new people running see what [class office] does, so they want to be a part of Leadership too.”

But with all the competition, this year’s elections will also result in many losing candidates. However, losing the election does not necessarily mean losing the chance to be in Leadership. All commissioner positions will be open to these candidates or new applicants.

“For commissions, you get appointed by ASB in an interview,” Chen said. “In a lot of commissions, it’s mostly just seniors right now. They’re all going to leave, so a lot of spots can be taken by different grade levels.”

Even with all the competition, Chen and Chow are preparing for elections in April. They both plan to announce their campaigns on Facebook and make posters, like many other candidates have done in the past, and both of them look forward to seeing the results.

“Class office decisions are in April, so we don’t really know until then,” Chow said. “But I think my chances are pretty good, I just have to spread the word.”