A photo of Marina Banister, UASU President 2017-18, during an election forum with a row of other candidates seated behind her.

This is your student government

This is the go-to page for candidates.

Information for Candidates

Considering running in the next election? Find all the information you’ll need below.

2025/2026 Important Dates

General Election

Election Nomination Deadline
Thursday, February 13th at 6:00 P.M.

Council and GFC Elections

The Election Nomination Deadline
Monday, March 10th at 6:00 P.M.

File your completed Forms

Upload your completed nomination package forms here. Your nomination is not complete until all forms and the $50 deposit are received.

Submit Nomination Forms

2025 General Election Nomination Package

Nominate yourself! Run in the 2025/2025 General Election and be the voice of students.

Full 2025/2026 Nomination Package

2025 Council + GFC Election Nomination Package

Nominate yourself! Run in the 2025/2026 Council + GFC Election and be the voice of students in your faculty.

Full 2025/2026 Council GFC Nom Pack

2025/2026 Elections Policies

In accordance with Bylaw 320 (Elections, Plebiscites, and Referenda) and the authority vested in the Elections Office, the following regulation is hereby enforced for the 2025/26 UASU General Election:

Prohibition of Third-Party Endorsements

No third party, including both recognized student groups and unrecognized organizations, may endorse any candidate running in the UASU General Election.

This regulation applies to, but is not limited to:

  • Recognized Student Groups: Faculty Associations, Student Representative Associations, Clubs registered under the UASU and any other SU-recognized organizations.
  • Unrecognized Groups and External Organizations: Informal student groups, unaffiliated campus movements, political organizations, businesses, and off-campus entities.

Justification for this Regulation

This regulation is derived from Bylaw 320.11 (Campaign Procedures) and Bylaw 320.12 (Endorsements) to:
✅ Maintain election fairness by preventing organizations from using their influence to sway voter decisions.
✅ Ensure equal opportunity for all candidates, regardless of external affiliations or endorsements.
✅ Protect the autonomy of student voters, allowing them to make decisions based on individual candidate platforms rather than institutional backing.

Enforcement and Penalties

Any candidate found soliciting, accepting, or benefiting from a third-party endorsement will be subject to election penalties, including but not limited to:
Campaign fines deducted from their budget.
Restrictions on campaign activities (e.g., removal of materials or disqualification from forums).
Potential disqualification for severe or repeated violations.

Candidates may request further clarification from the Elections Office if they have any questions or concerns.

Download the official statement

To all UASU General Election candidates and prospective candidates,

In accordance with Regulation 320.09 (Campaign Procedures) and other governing election rules, the following clarification is provided regarding candidate consultations during Reading Week:

Permissible Activities

Candidates may engage in private, non-promotional consultations during Reading Week to:

✅ Gather feedback from students on key issues.

✅ Consult with faculty members, student groups, or campus organizations to understand concerns.

✅ Conduct research to refine their potential campaign platforms.

✅ Hold internal discussions with advisors or team members regarding campaign strategy (without publicizing their candidacy).

Prohibited Activities (Pre-Campaigning Violations)

🚫 Announcing candidacy or asking for votes in any form.

🚫 Social media, websites, or other platforms are used to discuss candidacy or campaign issues.

🚫 Distributing campaign materials (posters, flyers, business cards, etc.).

🚫 Seeking endorsements from student groups, faculty, or other organizations.

🚫 Hosting public events or town halls that promote candidacy.

🚫 Sending mass emails or messages related to the election.

Enforcement & Penalties

Any candidate found engaging in campaigning activities before the official campaign period will be subject to election penalties, including:

⚠ Fines deducted from campaign budgets.

⚠ Restrictions on campaign activities (e.g., removal of materials).

⚠ Potential disqualification for repeated violations.

Candidates are encouraged to seek clarification from the Elections Office if unsure whether an activity constitutes pre-campaigning.

For any questions or further guidance, please contact:

📩 Chief Returning Officer (CRO) – cro@uasu.ca

📩 Elections Office – elections@uasu.ca

General Elections FAQ

There are typically three elections throughout the year:

October: Fall By-Election

  • Election to fill vacancies on:
    • UASU Students' Council
      • The highest governing body of the Students' Union. This council has ultimate decision-making authority over all aspects of the organization.
    • General Faculties Council
      • The academic legislative body of the University of Alberta. This council deals with all academic matters and student affairs issues (as set out in the Alberta Post-Secondary Learning Act). It is the highest level at which academic decisions are made, and is chaired by the President of the University of Alberta.

Early March: Students' Union Executive Committee/Undergraduate Board of Governors Representative Election

  • Election to fill the positions:
    • UASU Executive Committee
      • President: Acts as the primary spokesperson for the Students’ Union.
      • VP Academic: Advocates for students' interests within the University community and beyond.
      • VP External: Responsible for Students' Union government and community relations.
      • VP Operations and Finance: Responsible for managing the UASU's $14 million budget.
      • VP Student Life: Responsible for university-related non-academic issues
    • Undergraduate Board of Governors Representative
      • Acts as a voice for the undergraduate student body on the University of Alberta Board of Governors, the ultimate decision making authority of the university.
      • Plebiscite and/or Referenda questions, if any, occur during this election.

Late March: Students' Council (SC)/General Faculties Council (GFC) Elections

As a candidate, make sure you’re following all of the rules regarding campaigning, your budget, complaints, appeals, etc. written in the following bylaws:

If you are looking to fill a vacancy after an election, consider the vacancy petition process. Vacancy petitions will remain open until February 13th at 6:00 PM for the 2024/2025 year.

Contact Information

Chief Returning Officer

cro@uasu.ca

Room 0-68 B SUB