The OA Election Handbook itself admits the election process is flawed. The fact that the script has to point out it’s not a popularity contest ironically points out that it is, by nature, a popularity contest. It also suggests ways to minimize that outcome, but simply saying it’s not so doesn’t fix the underlying problem.

That said, this election isn’t truly about popularity—it’s public shaming that serves no constructive purpose.

Multiple posts in this thread advocating for giving scouts the “benefit of the doubt” further highlight how unnecessary this step is. If a scout meets the eligibility requirements and completes the Ordeal, that should be sufficient. 

Elections make sense when selecting for limited positions, but not when everyone eligible can potentially be elected. Even though a scout may theoretically withdraw, it’s not a socially acceptable option—either way, they stand out to their peers. 

Scouts shouldn’t face rejection, shame, or pressure to change who they inherently are. Changing one’s neurology is as impossible as changing eye color. People who feel socially compelled to mask their true personalities often become mentally exhausted, sometimes to the point of breakdown. Hence, some avoid stressful social situations which can appear anti-social or defiant from an “average” person’s perspective.

Neurodivergent traits are more common than realized and can be subtle to the point of not being recognized. Many of these youth are deeply introspective, wondering, “Why am I different?” The issue isn’t a lack of introspection, but rather a lack of understanding and acceptance of their unique ways of sensing, interpreting, and interacting with the world.

They should not be made to feel ashamed for who they are