Season 3, Episode 20 Original Air Date: March 21, 1977
“Elections don’t always go to the loudest voice—they go to the heart people believe in.”
Episode Summary
It’s Election Day at the Walnut Grove schoolhouse, and the students are buzzing with excitement as they prepare to elect a Class President. For the first time, both boys and girls are invited to run, and Miss Beadle encourages healthy competition and democratic participation.
Two boys and two girls are nominated. Among them is Elmer Dobkins, a quiet and awkward student who wasn’t planning to run—but is nominated as a joke by one of the boys, Percival Benson (PB). PB’s reasoning? He thinks the boys have the advantage because the girls will split their votes between Mary Ingalls and Nellie Oleson, while the boys will unite behind the more popular male candidate. Elmer, seen as an easy loser, becomes a pawn in their plan.
Unfortunately, Elmer quickly becomes the target of ridicule, mocked for his looks and clumsy mannerisms. Even Laura and Mary are caught off guard by how cruel the other students become during the campaign. Though hurt, Elmer remains honest, kind, and humble, earning the quiet respect of several classmates.
Meanwhile, the girls’ race becomes heated. Mary runs on a platform of fairness and responsibility, while Nellie relies on popularity, manipulation, and material promises to sway voters. The tension between them rises as the campaign becomes a battle of values versus vanity.
As election day arrives, a surprising twist unfolds—Elmer wins the boys’ race, much to the shock of everyone, including himself. It turns out that Elmer’s decency and integrity touched more students than anyone expected, and his victory becomes a quiet but powerful statement: leadership isn’t about popularity, but character.
Key Themes
School elections and democracy
Peer pressure and popularity
Kindness vs. manipulation
Standing up for the underdog
What true leadership looks like
Notable Moment
Elmer (after winning): “I didn’t think anybody would vote for me. I just wanted to be myself.” Laura (smiling): “That’s why they did.”
This moment highlights the heart of the episode—that sincerity and kindness can triumph over cruelty and superficial charm.
Reflection
The Election is a sweet and meaningful episode that speaks to students of all ages. With humor and heart, it explores what it means to be a leader, and how elections can bring out both the best and worst in people. It also reminds us that true friends and real leaders aren’t always the loudest in the room—they’re often the ones who act with quiet strength and grace.
Elmer’s victory is more than just a surprise win—it’s a powerful message that authenticity matters, and that sometimes, standing up for what’s right means standing behind someone who doesn’t yet see their own worth.
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