The 2026 Associated Student Government (ASG) presidential election is happening right now. Students have the opportunity to get involved and vote for the person they want to represent the student body. Candidates MJ Magallones and Hongyu Guo, who are both first-year students at Shoreline College, are up for the task of being your voice for every discussion and decision made at ASG. One responsibility is to weigh in on how student fees should be used.
Have you ever wondered where your money goes? During the enrollment of each quarter, students pay fees that help ASG fund and manage projects like the Parent Child Center, the water bottle refilling stations across campus, and an array of student clubs. Providing resources and services is an important objective of ASG. Other ways they do this are by supplying transportation shuttles and ORCA cards to make commuting more accessible. Additionally, campus activities like morning breakfast tables and multicultural events are organized by ASG to amplify connectivity and enrich student life outside of academia. In these spaces, students can gain support, form close bonds, build camaraderie, and share a laugh.
In addition to ASG being in charge of making decisions that all students pay into, Eberth Arias, the program manager of Student Life, said students should vote because, “If you want to have a say in how those funds are spent, you want to vote for someone you like, and how they say they are going to lead.” The ASG president bridges the gap between students and the campus. Throughout the president’s one-year term, they will collaborate with the ASG committees, campus administration and attend or lead board meetings to be the voice of students. If students have feedback or concerns, it is the responsibility of the president to be their advocate. Those who participate in the vote have the power to elect a leader who aligns with what they are passionate about, deciding what the future of Shoreline College looks like.
Voter booths are currently stationed across campus, and the vote will close on May 20. Eligible voters are current Shoreline College students, and all they need to do is fill out a ballot by scanning the QR code at their voting location. For online students and those who aren’t on campus, the QR code and link to vote can be found on the ShorelineCC Student Life Instagram page.
So, who’s up for election?
Hongyu Guo
Hongyu Guo, 24, is an international student studying psychology and is in his second quarter at Shoreline College. He is passionate about reading, playing the violin, and classical music. Being more introverted, Guo expressed how taking on leadership was a way of challenging himself. Through his example, he wants to help students develop more confidence in themselves.
When asked why he wanted to run for ASG president, Guo responded: “I want to do anything I can do to help students.” One way he hopes to advocate for students is through increasing financial transparency, engagement, and communication.
If elected president, Guo wants students to know how their fees are being spent. He explained, “Most [students] have a concern about budget. So I cannot help save money, but if [students] really attend events and clubs, their money can be used.” He expressed passion towards student participation, believing that if more students are engaged, then more students can get the benefits of the fees that they pay. He used clubs as an example, explaining how he’s observed that many of the clubs are either inactive or have very few members. He believes that the solution to getting more students involved is more visibility. If elected, his goal is to make it easier for students to learn about what’s happening and what clubs are available. He explained that if more information were on the Shoreline College website, then this could help bring awareness to clubs and, in turn, increase student involvement.
Taking on the role of ASG President is no easy job, and throughout the one-year term, there is bound to be stress, challenges, and setbacks. Guo said that he could deal with these elements, asserting that he works hard to be prepared and that working with focus and efficiency is the best way to deal with any roadblocks he might face.
If he wins the election, he wants students to feel that he is their advocate and their friend. When he envisioned what Shoreline would look like at the end of his presidency, he said, “I want people to be talking to each other. I really hope to connect students, communicate, and create community. I want people to be building strong friendships.”
MJ Magallones
MJ Magallones, 18, is a domestic student studying pre-nursing and is in her third quarter at Shoreline College. She enjoys the outdoors, trains in martial arts, and grew up with a passion for cooking. She explained how cooking with others has given her the skills of collaboration, communication, and leadership, all of which she will utilize in her presidency.
“I want to turn the idea of inclusion that’s already emphasized on campus into a daily reality.” She explains that while she has experienced a great sense of belonging on campus, she realizes that not every student gets that opportunity, and that is something she’d like to change.
If elected, Magallones’ intent is to unite the various communities within the college. One way she plans to do this is through encouraging cross-club interactions. She believes that this will create more synergy, awareness, and engagement, giving students the opportunity to build more relationships with their peers. She said, “I really want to emphasize ideas of active connections and transparency.” As part of her agenda, Magallones also wants to make collaboration between students and ASG more accessible. She emphasized that “every voice and opinion should be heard, no matter the background.” She wants to give students opportunities to get involved, helping them feel better supported. Having open hours where students can come directly to her with their concerns is how she would implement this.
On the topic of stress, challenges, and setbacks that may come with achieving her goals, Magallones said: “Just because something went wrong, doesn’t mean everything is going to fall apart. Progress counts, and it is what makes everything beautiful.” She believes that teamwork throughout ASG will be the best way to gain support and build off one another during times of struggle.
If MJ Magallones is elected, she wants students to feel changes being made and know that she will take a firm initiative as their advocate. When she thinks about the impact that her presidency will have at the end of her term, she said, “I want Shoreline to reflect growth. I want Shoreline to look back and feel progress and growth as a community.”
To learn more about the candidates and their causes, watch this replay of the open candidate forum held on May 4. Students can also find more information on ASG by visiting the Associated Student Government page on the Shoreline College website.
Cast your vote today, because voting closes on May 20. You can either visit one of the voting stations on campus, find the ballot QR code and link to vote on the ShorelineCC Student Life Instagram page, or scan the QR code below.
UPDATE May 19, 4;51 p.m.: Voting extended to May 22.
VOTE HERE:
