Election day takes off in the city of poppies
By Violeta Acosta and Joelle Lally
Pinon City Reporters
The City of Pinon Poppies started Election Day by giving honor to our flag during the morning flag ceremony.
After beginning the day with respect and unity, the poppy citizens met at 8:15 a.m. for their morning City Hall meeting, where they reviewed the election process and looked over a sample nomination form to better understand how to nominate for city office.
The city then held a blind vote for Precinct Committeemen. On the Nationalist side, Marissa Cross was voted chairman, and on the Federalists side, Claire Francis was voted chairman. Abby Krauter and Celia Kass were also voted as committeemen, and several members volunteered to serve on the Election Board to help with election procedures.
As the day continued, candidates running for major city roles prepared and presented their speeches. Bella Achtziger and Elaine Huang both ran for mayor as Nationalists, while Ellexi Smith; Livia Orlich; Charlie Pulis; Grayson Palmer; and Mauricia Morales gave speeches for city councilman representing their individual parties. The speeches showed each candidate’s dedication, confidence, and excitement for helping lead Pinon through a successful election day.
During the primary elections, Federalists only voted for Federalists candidates, while Nationalists only voted for Nationalist candidates. Four Federalists and two Nationalists ran, and every girl who ran will proceed to the general election that will be taking place at 2:15 p.m. this afternoon.
After a careful review and count of ballots, Bella Achtziger won with majority of votes on her side and will represent Pinon city as Mayor with pride and purpose.
Later in the day, Pinon moved into the general election. The winners for the general vote were Charlie Pulis; Grayson Palmer represented the Federalist side, while Livia and Ellexi represented the Nationalist side. This election gave the poppies another chance to participate in the voting process and support the candidates who will continue representing Pinon with leadership and dedication.
After the general election, the Federalists and Nationalists separated into their groups, with the Federalists meeting on the West patio and the Nationalists meeting on the East patio. Each group came together with chants and party unity in a way that was both respectful and competitive. The energy showed how much spirit each side had while still keeping the day positive.
To the end of the day, cities met with their sister cities, also known as neighboring cities. This gave everyone a chance to socialize on a deeper level, connect with new people, and better understand each other’s beliefs and ideas. It was a meaningful way to close out Election Day, leaving everyone excited, connected, and ready for tomorrow’s activities.
Thought of the Day:
“Be not simply good, but good for something. Live for something. Do good and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storm of time can never destroy. Write your name in kindness, love and mercy on the hearts of thousands you come in contact with year by year. Your name, your deeds will be as legible on the hearts you leave behind the stars of heaven.”
– Thoreau
This thought of the day connects perfectly with today’s election activities because it reminds us that leadership is not just about winning a position or holding a title, but using that position to do something meaningful.
During the elections, the citizens of Pinon had the chance to practice doing good by taking part in the voting process, listening to candidates, respecting different beliefs, and choosing leaders who will represent their city with purpose.
Just like the quote says, our names and actions are remembered by the impact we leave on others. Today, through speeches, voting, party unity, and sister city meetings, the girls showed that Girls’ State is about building character, kindness, leadership, and leaving a lasting mark on the people around us.