Elections

Voting for the SU Full-Time Officer elections was open between 10am on Wednesday 11th March until 11am Thursday 19th March 2020.

 

No elections are currently running

 

Voting counter

 

So far, in this year's Full Time Officer elections we've had 1970 votes. You have until Thursday 19th March at 11am to have your voice heard!

 

Votes by department

 

 

The roles

 

The roles available are:

PRESIDENT

EDUCATION OFFICER

WELFARE & LIBERATION OFFICER

CAMPAIGNS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER

 

NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS CONFERENCE DELEGATE (x2)

Check out the job description for this role here.

 

Have a peek at who the candidates are here and watch their Candidate Question Time videos via this link. 

 

Why are the elections so important?

 

The Students’ Union is a democratic organisation led by four elected leaders, working full-time. The Full-Time Officers represent the student body on various issues, from welfare concerns to academic issues and much more. We’re a democratic organisation, so we run elections annually to elect the Full-Time Officers who will represent you on these issues.

To nominate someone else who you think would be perfect for the role, or if you’re interested yourself and would like us to tell you a little more information, fill in this form and one of our team will be in touch. If you have any questions or queries email democracy@goldsmithssu.org.

Thinking about running? Have a read of our election rules right here.

 

Elections glossary

 

Not sure what all the terminology associated with the elections means? Don’t worry, you’re probably not alone! Have a read of our glossary below for all the lingo you need to know if you’re thinking about putting yourself forward for a role, or you’re voting for a candidate…

  • Nomination/Nominating yourself
     

    The process of putting yourself forward for a role within the Students’ Union. This year we have four Full-Time Officer roles available – President, Welfare and Liberation Officer, Education Officer and Campaigns and Activities Officer and also two NUS Conference Delegate places.

  • Candidate
     

    A student who nominates themselves for one of the advertised positions (e.g. 'there are four candidates for SU President').

  • Preferential Voting
     

    A system where voters indicate their first, second and lower choices of several candidates for a single position.

  • Manifesto
     

    This is a text-based document which details why you’re the best candidate for the role you’re going for and should include your ideas for what you’d prioritise if you were elected into the role (e.g. 'I will campaign for cheaper accommodation for Goldsmiths students'). To ensure every candidate is treated fairly there is a word limit for every role. If you’re a candidate, this is your chance to sell yourself to potential voters.

  • Campaign video
     

    As a candidate in the election, you will be expected to take part in a 20 second campaign video with the Students’ Union where you will tell potential voters why you are the best person for the role.

  • Candidate Question Time
     

    An event held just before voting is about to happen, Candidate Question Time is the perfect opportunity to find out who the nominated candidates are and what they stand for. They will be looking to earn the student vote so pop along if you want to hear about the policies, plans or proposals they want to act on if they were to be elected into the role.

  • R.O.N. (Re-open nominations)
     

    R.O.N. is a candidate you can always vote for if you don’t feel any of the candidates are suitable for the position. R.O.N. appears in every election and if they win it will mean that the election is reopened.

  • Students’ Forum
     

    The space where Goldsmiths students can suggest and influence key policies that shape the Union and our work. Read more via goldsmithssu.org/studentsforum

  • Quorum
     

    The minimum number of members of students required to make a vote valid. For an idea to become Students’ Union policy, for example, 100 students at least must vote online.

  • Deputy Returning Officer
     

    They are the designated person to go to if a candidate has a complaint about the process or thinks a rule has been broken. They will make an initial ruling and judgement according to the election rules.

  • Returning Officer
     

    This is someone external to the elections process and the organisation. They investigate any appeals made after an outcome of a complaint decided by the Deputy Returning Officer.