Student Elections Explained

Hand putting a piece of paper into a ballot box

As a member of Lancaster University Students’ Union (LUSU), you have the opportunity to vote and nominate yourself in all of our student elections throughout the year.

The question is, what does that mean?  

At LUSU, elections are a huge part of our democracy. As a member of the students’ union, you have the right to vote in all of our student elections throughout the year – and the opportunity to nominate yourself for positions in them.  

That’s quite a bit and they don’t all occur at the same time. Throughout the academic year, we will give you official notices prior to an election period, so you’ll always know when and what you’re voting for.

Michaelmas Term: In November, elections for LUSU volunteers who make up the JCR Executive Committee within Colleges will run.  

Lent Term: Then heading into February and March, it’s time to decide who the LUSU President and other Full-Time Officers for the next academic year will be. This is usually the biggest election period of the year.  

Easter: Around Easter time is when your society and club executives will be elected internally within your societies.  

Timeline

The timeline for elections can look a bit different depending on what you’re voting for. But normally, you can expect it to look a little something like this:

Long arrow pointing downwards

Notice of Elections

Around the start of each term, we will announce upcoming elections and let you know what is up for grabs and how you can get involved. 

Nominations Open

At this point, students (yup, including you) have the opportunity to nominate themselves for a role. Anyone nominating in our elections is asked to tell voters a bit about themselves and their goals, we call this a manifesto. We provide support and guidance to help you understand how this works.

Nominations Close

Then the nomination period closes – so don’t miss your opportunity!  

Candidate Briefing

Anyone who nominates themselves is provided with training and guidance on how to conduct themselves and gain as many votes as possible. We know being a candidate might feel like a daunting prospect - we support everyone to succeed and make the most of the experience. 

Campaigning Opens

This is where the fun begins. Candidates will use campaigning period to tell you why you should vote for them. Expect lots of posters around campus! Campaigning is bound by strict rules, we work to ensure everyone plays fair and the campaigning period is a fun, interesting time for everyone.

Voting Opens

You’ll receive an email inviting you to vote online. All of our elections are done through an online system, so you don’t need to go anywhere physically to vote. Voting emails will give you all the instructions you need – it’s super easy! You normally have 3 days to cast your vote. 

Voting Closes

At this point, voting will close, and we start to count all the votes each candidate received. If voting needs to be re-opened for any reason, we’ll let you know ahead of time and the procedure for this.  

Results

Then it’s time to find out who you voted in!

(In our big elections in Michaelmas and Lent Term: campaigning, voting and results all happen in around Week 8 and Week 18.)

As a democratic organisation we’re here to represent you, your beliefs, passions, and campaigns. By voting in student elections you choose who represents you, but our democracy doesn’t end there. Everyone you elect is a fellow student and is accountable to you. You’ll be able to find out what they’ve been up to throughout the year and speak to them directly.  

Contact Us!

If you have any questions about elections, voting, nominating yourself or anything else, don’t be shy!

Send us an email at help@lancastersu.co.uk – or head over to our Instagram and DM us at @lancastersu 

Written by Shannon Daniel

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & CREATIVE WRITING GRADUATE