The votes have been cast – the new Block 4 Representative will be Jialin Yang from Tokyo. Congratulations Jialin!
The election was conducted using the Single Transferable Vote/Instant Run-off Voting method, where voters were asked to rank the candidates in order of preference to ensure that the winning candidate would win on the basis of a 50% +1 vote majority of their cumulative preference rankings.
In this case, however, second preferences were not taken into consideration as Jialin received more than 50%+1 vote on first preferences alone (80% of the first preferences).
You can see a breakdown of the voting in the graph below.
In response to her election to the position of Block 4 Representative, Jialin said
“I want to thank you all (Tokyo, Chiba, Shizuoka, Kanagawa, and Yamanashi!) for your support and say that I am happy to represent you as your new AJET Block 4 Representative.
I ran for Block 4 Representative because I care a lot about the emotional health and wellbeing of my fellow JETs. Moving to and living in Japan can be very challenging and even alienating at times so I am determined to do what I can to make your time on JET fun and fulfilling.
I promise that I will work hard to build a sense of community in Block 4, bring your issues to the AJET National Council and voice them at AJET’s bi-annual Opinion Exchanges with the JET Programme sponsors among other things.
I’m here to support you so please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me if you have any questions, suggestions, or you need help but don’t know where to turn”
