It’s that time of the year again, the time for the SU Elections. Although it happens every year, this might be your first time seeing how the spring elections work. Over the next few weeks you’ll be seeing a lot of publicity surrounding these elections, so make sure to get as involved as possible! This is your chance to make sure your voice is heard, either as a candidate or by giving your vote. Not quite sure what the elections are or what they do? We’ve broken it down for you…

So, what exactly are the spring elections? 
Your SU will be holding the annual spring elections in March to find the next President, Vice President as well as 12 other student representatives that make up the SU Executive Committee. The elections run throughout March with the winning candidates taking office in July. 

What is the SU Executive?
There are 15 positions on the SU Executive Committee that are elected to represent you! The roles include;

• Students’ Union President
• Students’ Union Vice President
• Academic Undergraduate Rep
• Academic Post Graduate Rep
• Sports Rep
• Societies Rep
• Engagement Rep
• Entertainment Rep
• Equality and Diversity Rep
• International Student Rep
• RAG Chair
• RAG Secretary
• RAG Treasurer
• RAG Press and Publicity
• Student Trustee

What do the officers elected actually do? 
The roles and responsibilities of the SU Executive vary. 
They are here to make sure your voice is heard and to help improve your student experience by running campaigns to improve the life of students or raise awareness of certain issues. They are also involved in the decision-making across the highest levels of the university – meaning that your voice is heard, not just by the Students’ Union, but in the most senior university meetings. Ultimately, the SU Executive Committee is at the heart of changes across the Students’ Union and university. You can see why this opportunity isn’t one you want to miss out on. You can find out more about the individual roles *here* (link to elections exec page).

What role do I play in the spring elections?
As a student, you can either stand as a candidate or simply remain as a voter. The SU Executive Committee is constantly working to try and improve your university experience. This year especially has been a tough year for all our SU Executive Committee, who have been unable to roll out all of their campaigns in the way they would’ve liked to. That’s why it’s more important than ever this year to find students who want to take a lead.
How do I nominate myself?

What if I don’t want to stand this year? 
There’s no pressure to stand in these elections if you don’t want to. Whether you decide to stand in this year’s spring elections or not, make sure you still cast your vote! Remember, these people will be the face of the Students’ Union in 2021/2022. 

Is there anything else I need to know?
The most important thing is your vote! Make sure you have your say on who will be representing you next year! Just because you are not running in the elections doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be involved. In March you can take part in the ‘Meet the Candidates’ Zoom session by submitting questions on our Instagram story about how the candidates plan to tackle certain issues or what they plan to accomplish during their term in office.

Key dates to jot down:
Nominations open: 1st March 
Nominations Close: 12th March
Candidate briefing session: 15th March
Meet the candidates: 18th March
Voting Opens: 22nd March
Voting Closes: 25th March  
Results: 26th March 

Click here to nominate yourself!