We run Society Committee Elections every year (around March/April). We do this early to give the outgoing committee enough time to handover to the new committee before summer.
Elections basics
How elections are structured
All your committee members must be elected into their role through an election, which will be held online. An election consists of a nomination period (where members can nominate themselves for a committee role) and a voting period (where members vote for the student they want to be elected). Only current students who are a member of your society can nominate and vote in elections.
Additional committee roles
Typically, societies have four core committee roles - President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Equality and Diversity Officer - plus a Health and Safety Officer for high-risk societies.
However, additional committee roles can be created where needed. Additional roles are decided by the current committee and based on demand from society members. Additional roles could include Vice-President, Social Media Officer, or Events Officer. To have additional roles added or changed prior to the bulk election, ensure you complete the Role Request Changes form that will be circulated via email.
Bulk elections and bulk by-elections. What's the difference?
There are two types of elections: the main election that all societies participate in (in Spring), and the by-election (in Autumn).
For the main election, there is a two week timeframe. During this period, all committee positions will be open for election for the new academic year. There will be one week where members will nominate themselves for committee positions and one week where members will be able to vote for who they want in the roles. After these two weeks we will communicate the results to you. Failure to elect a committee during this period may result in your society closing down. You may choose to organise an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to coincide with the election. For more information on the AGM, check out the governance and democracy page of the Committee Portal.
A by-election is held when you have a vacant position that needs to be filled because a committee member has stepped down, etc. Any vacant committee roles from the spring bulk election will be automatically added to an Autumn Bulk by-election. We've created a Google Form that allows you to choose when each stage of your election will take place. It is important that you read the form thoroughly, as incorrectly completed forms will delay how soon your by-election can be held. If you have any questions regarding this form, contact activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk.
How to nominate, vote, and receive results
To nominate themselves, your members will need to go to your society page during the nominations period, click on the role they want, and press nominate. They will be given the option to upload a photo and a manifesto. Their status will show as pending until we approve the candidate before voting starts. Other members will not be able to see who has been nominated yet.
To vote, your members will need to go to your society page during the voting period. They will be able to view all the candidates for each role and read any manifestos uploaded. They will then be able to vote for who they want in each role. Candidates can vote for themselves.
When voting has closed, your coordinator will communicate the results with the committee.
Request a By-Election
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the volume of by-elections requested for the same societies, we are limiting each society to one by-election per semester. This is to ensure your elections are meaningful and to prevent voter fatigue amongst your members. Some societies may experience circumstances where a second by-election is permitted, but this will be discussed with you on a case by case basis.
If your society needs to request a by-election during the academic year to fill a vacant role, you can do so using the following button.
Request a by-election
Society elections hub
The society elections webpage hosts the bulk election as well as the election resources you may need to access for support as a committee and for your candidates.
If you have any questions regarding the election process, contact us at activitiesadmin@shu.ac.uk.