Elections

Electing your organization's newest leaders is one of the most important tasks to ensure the continuity of your RSO from year-to-year. There are critical steps that your RSO should take before, during, and after the election.  

Before Elections

Steps to take before holding an election: 

  • Review your Constitution to clarify election procedures and requirements. 
  • Notify members of the election date in advance to ensure that as many members vote. 
  • Create and advertise a form where members can nominate others or self-nominate themselves for a position. 
  • Ensure that all members know who the candidates are and what position they are running for, and decide if you will allow same-day nominations. 

During Elections

Virtual Elections allow organization members to vote anonymously and review candidates at their own pace to make an informed decision.   

  • Candidates may pre-record a video or post a statement online for voters to view. 
  • Ensure members are given appropriate notice and instructions for the online election. Have an officer on standby who can answer questions in the event of technology issues. 

In-Person Election, you may want to ask yourselves these questions:

  • Will the election be conducted anonymously? 
  • How will members vote? Options may include: 
    • Hand-raising 
    • One-vote ballots: Voters select one candidate for each position 
    • Ranked-vote ballots: Voters rank all candidates in terms of preference 
    • A text-in option 
    • A combination of an in-person meeting and a virtual vote 
  • How will instructions be given for voting procedures? 
  • How will ballots be counted? During the meeting or afterward? 
  • How will the winners be announced? 

After Elections

There are some important steps you should take after the results of your election are announced: 

  • Notify the Department of Student Activities of your new officers: 
    • If your election occurs in the fall semester, please use the change officer infographic to update the organization’s portal. 
    • If your election occurs in the spring semester, complete the re-registration process to update the portal. 
  • Follow the steps and tips listed below to ensure a successful transition between officers.