With Election Day set for April 22, students across Montgomery County are getting ready to vote in the Student Member of the Board (SMOB) election. This year’s race features Leul Dawit, a sophomore at Northwood, and Reemey Ghermay, a junior at Walter Johnson. As campaigning ramps up, the election offers students a chance to shape how their voices are represented in decision making countywide.

As the countdown to April 22 continues, both candidates have begun reaching out to students across the county to share their platforms and priorities. The SMOB plays a unique role in MCPS, serving as a voice for the student body in Board of Education discussions and decisions. Because of this, the election is one of the most direct ways students can influence policies that affect their daily lives, from academic pressure and mental health activities to transportation and extracurricular opportunities.

Luel Dawit, a 10th grader at Northwood, has centered his campaign around improving communication between students and school leadership. He has emphasized the importance of making sure student concerns are not only heard, but clearly addressed. Meanwhile, Reemey Ghermay, an 11th grader at Walter Johnson High School, has focused on equity and access, advocating for more consistent resources and opportunities across all schools in the county.

Students around the county have already been forming opinions as they learn more about each candidate. “I feel like more people are actually paying attention to the SMOB race this year. People are talking about it on social media and in class,” junior Emmanuel Liu said.

This growing awareness around the county is what many believe is key to a successful election. While the position may not always receive the same attention as other leadership roles, it carries significant influence. The SMOB is able to vote on issues and advocate directly for student needs, making it essential that voters understand who and what they are supporting.

For some students, the candidates’ approaches to key issues will be the deciding factor. “A lot of candidates have good ideas, but what matters is whether they can actually make changes once they are in the position to do so,” junior Liam Dolan said.

Others are focused on the broader impact of the election itself, highlighting the importance of student participation regardless of who eventually wins. “This is one of the few times where every student gets a say in something that affects the whole county. If people don’t vote, then they are missing out,” junior Xander Doherty said.
As Election Day creeps forward, both candidates are expected to continue engaging with students through campaign events, social media, and school outreach. With just weeks remaining, the focus now shifts to voter turnout and ensuring that students are informed about their choices.
Ultimately, the SMOB election represents more than just a competition between two student candidates, it is an opportunity for Montgomery County students to take an active role in shaping their educational experience.