Election

Jim McAllister is introduced as a well-respected history teacher in Omaha, Nebraska. His commitment extends beyond teaching, as he gets involved in the school’s extracurricular activities, especially student government elections.

Tracy Flick, a determined and ambitious junior, decides to run for student council president. Living with her estranged and bitter mother, Tracy is under constant pressure to succeed and achieve her goals, no matter the cost.

Earlier in the school year, a scandal involving Tracy and Jim's friend, Dave Novotny, leads to him being fired. This event causes a significant personal fallout for Dave, including the dissolution of his marriage, while Tracy's reputation remains intact.

Tracy hands Jim her nominating signatures for her campaign, hinting at their potential collaboration. This suggestion unnerves Jim, reminding him of Tracy's previous manipulations of his friend Dave.

Jim encourages Paul Metzler, a charming football player, to run for president against Tracy. After some hesitation due to his injury, Paul agrees to enter the race, igniting the conflict with Tracy.

Paul's younger sister, Tammy, also decides to run for student council president. During a school assembly, she delivers a blunt speech denouncing the student government, which surprises everyone and earns her a standing ovation, resulting in her suspension.

As the election approaches, Tracy becomes increasingly desperate and resorts to sabotaging Paul's campaign. However, it is Tammy who witnesses the sabotage and falsely takes the blame, keeping Tracy's hands clean.

Amidst the election turmoil, Jim begins an affair with Linda Novotny, Dave's ex-wife. This unexpected relationship adds more complications to Jim's life, leading him down a path of personal disgrace.

On election day, Jim, overwhelmed by recent events, oversees the ballot counting. He is dismayed to discover that Tracy wins the election by a single vote, pushing him to make a reckless decision.

In a fit of rage over Tracy's victory, Jim decides to tamper with the election results, declaring Paul as the winner instead. This drastic action sets off a chain reaction that leads to his downfall.

The tampering of election results is uncovered, leading to a public scandal. Jim faces resignation and disgrace in his community, culminating in a loss of trust and support from those around him.

After his public disgrace, Jim leaves Nebraska for a fresh start in New York City. He reluctantly takes up a job as a tour guide at the American Museum of Natural History and reflects on his tumultuous past.

Despite the controversies surrounding her, Tracy graduates at the top of her class and secures a full scholarship to Georgetown University. However, she struggles with feelings of social isolation and the costs of her fierce ambition.

Paul enjoys a carefree senior year, but his happiness is cut short when his girlfriend leaves him. Meanwhile, Tammy's rebellious spirit flourishes at her new school as she embarks on a quest for independence.

Seven years later, Jim visits Washington D.C., where he unexpectedly encounters Tracy getting into a limousine with a congressman. Overwhelmed by emotion, he throws a soda cup at the vehicle, symbolizing his unresolved rage.