Elections
Spring Nomination Package 2.0 2023
Q: What can I run for?
A: Go to the Meet Your KSU section of the website for a run-down of what the Bylaws describe your responsibilities to be, as well as some people who have held the position in the past (who you may want to ask for advice or suggestions). If you’re still unclear, email our Communications Vice-President at communicationsvp@ksu.ca.
Q: How do sign up?
A: Grab a nomination form from outside the KSU office or download above. Submit the completed form to the Chief Returning Officer.
Q: I’ve handed in my nomination form, now what?
A: You can start thinking about campaigning! Be creative, but be wary. So long as your campaign stays within the range of what the KSU Elections Procedure (available above) and the Bylaws decree, it’s as good as gold. Also, up to 75 campaign posters can be photocopied in the KSU office (for free!). Don’t forget that campaigning begins AFTER the mandatory candidates meeting!
Q: Where do I hand in my completed nomination forms?
A: Return it in person to our Chief Returning Officer in the King’s Student’s Union Office.
Q: I’m a first year student. Does that mean I should only run for First Year Representative?
A: While First Year Rep is clearly a job meant for a first year, any King’s student can run for just about any position. In fact, first years running for Council positions is looked highly upon, so come on out!
Q: Do I have to be a full-time student to run for a position?
A: No! As long as you are at least part-time, you may run for Council.
Q: What is Council?
A: The King’s Students’ Union Council is a body that meets every two weeks, usually on a Sunday. It convenes with all members of the KSU Executive, as well as all the department representatives, a First Year Representative, the Residence Representative, the Board of Governors Representatives, and the Member-At-Large. Together, they decide the direction of the Union and its ongoing actions and campaigns, bringing up and representing the opinions of each Councillor’s constituents.
How To Run an Effective Campaign
The number one most important thing is to never step outside of the strictly defined rules laid out by the KSU Bylaws and Elections Procedure. These documents are available on this website and have been transmitted many times over in many different ways, so there’s no excuse for any transgression. Our CRO will be on the lookout for anything that is deemed insulting, unnecessarily vitriolic, offensive, smearing, or otherwise preventative of another campaign’s ability to function.
Also, be sure to know that you may only spend a maximum of $25 on your campaign, as well as ensuring that when you are putting up your posters around campus, to number them and write down each poster’s location, so that you can submit that list for the Chief Returning Officer so when they check for them the night before the elections that you’re not liable for posters that may have fallen off/thrown out, and so you know where they are yourself.
Otherwise, be as creative as you can! A good poster in good places works wonders (the Wardroom, doors outside Prince Hall and the A&A are great places) and a funny theme or campaign slogan is effective at tying in your name with something positive. But always try to do more. Run an event that’s endorsed by you. Really get involved, because that shows you give half a damn, and that’s something people genuinely care about.
Just don’t forget to end all campaigning by 11:59 pm the day before the elections, or all that effort might be for naught!
How To Write a Platform
Crucial to any election campaign, a platform is important especially for a school that is rarely in the same place at the same time (with the occasional exception of Happy Hour in the Wardy). In a short 300-word statement, make clear your policies and your goals as you try to undertake your particular position. Be clear and concise but also charming and substantive. If people are going to be going to the ballots without really following the election at all, then those short sentences could make or break a vote in your favour.
These statements are due almost immediately after the speeches, but the earlier you make these available to the Chief Returning Officer, the sooner one can post them around the school. Not having one completed is a blow to a campaign, so don’t forget this crucial last step.
Nomination Process
Caught the democratic bug and want to get involved with your students’ union?
Download the Nominations Package now.
If you want to know more about executive and council positions or have any questions, check out the KSU Facebook Page or e-mail our Chief Returning Officer, at cro@ksu.ca