Voting in RSU Society elections is restricted to current members. This means, if you are not a member of a given Society, you cannot vote or stand in its election. Non-members will not be able to see candidates or cast votes.

 

If you have forgotten to get your Society membership and want to stand or vote, you will need to do so before voting opens - memberships are frozen during this time.

 

At RSU, all Society elections voting is done online. This ensures that it can be conducted freely and fairly, reduce admin for current Society leaders, and that there are no hidden barriers for members to get involved.

 

At RSU we use a system called Single Transferable Vote. A handy explanation of what this means can be found via the RSU Youtube channel.

 

General Rules

1. RSU Societies Elections are subject to the law, University of Roehampton regulations, and RSU policies and byelaws. Candidates and campaigns must adhere to these at all times.
2. The Elections will be conducted in accordance with RSU byelaws,Societies Standing Orders  and Elections Rules and guidelines. The Returning Officer’s interpretation of the Elections Rules and guidelines is final.
3. Societies Elections will be run in line with the Elections and Campaigning Standing Orders.
4.  All students have the right to vote free from influence exerted by candidates providing they are a member of the Society.
5.  A student is allowed to put in a nomination for a maximum of one role in each society, provided they hold a valid membership for the society.
6.  Societies Elections will be held online through MSL. No other forms of Societies Elections will be accepted.
7. Candidate nominations must include the candidate’s name, position they are standing for, a photo of the candidate, and manifesto consist of fewer than 500 words total and submitted by close of nomination at 11AM on Friday 26th April 2024.
8.  Re-open Nominations (RON) shall be a candidate for all positions.
9.  All candidates are required to attend a candidate briefing to ensure that their campaign abides by election rules. Any candidate unable to attend must inform the Deputy Returning Officer with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, to societies@roehampton.ac.uk.
10. Candidates are responsible for the actions of their campaign teams and will be personally responsible if a member of their campaign team is subject to a complaint.
11. Voting will be held online through the Roehampton SU website. Any electronic device which can be used to vote will be classified as a polling station. Candidates and their campaign teams are prohibited from interfering with any polling station and cannot give their own or a hired device to another student to vote from.
12. Voting will be by secret ballot, with all votes being cast in confidence.
13.  The votes will be counted by the ‘Alternative Transferable Vote’ system as defined by the Electoral Reform Society. This system will be explained online when students go and cast their vote and at the ballot stations.
14. The Elections voting counts will be conducted through an automated software using our membership system.
15. Candidates may withdraw from the Election at any point by informing the Deputy Returning Officer at societies@roehampton.ac.uk.
16. The Returning Officer reserves the right to postpone or stop the Election at any time if they believe the Election is not being conducted in a free and fair manner.
17.  The Elections will be conducted in accordance with RSU byelaws and standing Orders which include the Elections Rules and Guidelines. The Returning Officer’s interpretation of the Elections Rules and Guidelines is final.

 

Candidate Campaigning

1. The official campaigning period opens 11AM (GMT), Tuesday 16th April 2024 and will close at 11AM on Friday 26th April 2024.
2. Voting shall open at 11AM (GMT), Tuesday 07th May 2024 and will close at 11AM on Thursday 09th May 2024.
3. Campaigning is permitted online and on campus from the moment a candidate completes their nominations application. If candidates begin campaigning before they have attended the candidate briefing, it is their responsibility to ensure their campaign abides by the election rules and any further guidance provided. Candidates and campaign teams are subject to Elections Rules and Guidelines whether they have attended the candidate briefing or not.
4. Candidates and their campaign teams must not interfere with, remove, or change other candidates’ promotional materials, even if material posted is in breach of the Elections Rules and Guidelines. Candidates should notify the Elections team through societies@roehampton.ac.uk if they believe promotional material is in contravention of the Elections Rules and Guidelines.
5.  Candidates and their campaign teams are prohibited from campaigning within RSU and Library spaces. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the interior of the RSU Building, Hive Café, Elm Grove, and library (including the outside of the buildings). This also includes all RSU-affiliated online and social media spaces. Candidates must obtain permission of the incumbent Society leaders to campaign at a Society event.
6. Candidates must obtain the permission of the owner or manager of any space such as walls, windows, pillars, or doors, before posting any campaign materials. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, virtual spaces like social media pages or groups, websites, or online forums.
7. Candidates and their campaign teams must not bribe, impersonate, or harass any student throughout the elections period.
8. Candidates are encouraged to engage in discussion and debate about ideas, views, and opinions, and it is expected these are done in a constructive, respectful manner. Candidates and their campaign teams must not attack other candidates in a derogatory or inflammatory manner in person, in writing, by illustration, or online.
9. Candidates must campaign individually. Candidates are prohibited from campaigning as part of a team with the support of other candidates: publicising other candidacies, appearing together in or sharing physical or virtual resources.
10.  Campaign materials are permitted to reference the RSU, University of Roehampton, and the Colleges, but must not display their logos.

 

Candidate Resources

1. Candidates and their campaign teams are prohibited from dressing up in any of the official college mascot costumes.
2. RSU, University of Roehampton staff, the Colleges and Society Committee Members are prohibited from endorsing any candidates.
3. Societies are permitted to share candidate resources & Election resources provided that the same opportunity is offered to all candidates running in the Elections. Failure to provide this opportunity will be seen as candidate endorsement, and a breach of the Election rules.

 

Incumbent Society Leaders

1. Candidates who already hold an elected or appointed position within the Society may not use the Society or the Students’ Union’s time, funds, resources, or official social media to enhance their own campaign or hinder that or another candidate for the duration of the Election period.

 

Environmental Guidance

1. RSU holds values relating to environmental awareness, and all students are encouraged to consider the environmental impact of campaigning. For any questions about ensuring your campaign is environmentally conscious, please contact the Elections Committee by emailing societies@roehampton.ac.uk.

 

Voting

1. All students have the right to vote free from influence exerted by candidates providing they are a member of the Society.

2.  Memberships will be taken off sale for Societies running in the Elections between the 1st – 9th of May to ensure voting is free and fair.

 

Complaints

1. Any written complaint shall be heard and determined by the Deputy Returning Officer, as the lead of the investigatory panel, within two working days (where possible) of a written complaint being lodged by any full voting member or a standing candidate.
2. Any standing candidate who is the subject of a written complaint shall be notified of the complaint lodged against them at the earliest convenience. After being notified, the candidate who is subject to the complaint has two working days to submit an appeal in writing to the Deputy Returning Officer, at societies@roehampton.ac.uk.
3. The Deputy Returning Officer shall decide on the penalty of a candidate complaint. This may range from a verbal warning to disqualification from the Elections.
4. Any complaints or appeal to the Deputy Returning Officer's ruling, will be reviewed by the Returning Officer. This shall be heard and determined by the Returning Officer within two working days (where possible) of a written complaint or appeal being lodged by any full voting member or a standing candidate.
5.  Any challenge or complaint concerning the administration and good conduct of the Election shall be received in writing by the Returning Officer before 11 AM (GMT), Thursday 09 May 2024, via the provided complaints form. This includes any complaints about another candidate’s campaign.
6. From 11AM (GMT) onwards, Thursday 09 May 2024, a challenge or complaint can only relate to the conduct of the count and must be lodged in writing to the Returning Officer at societies@roehampton.ac.uk. The Returning Officer shall resolve the complaint within two working days of the complaint being lodged.
7. The Returning Officer is responsible for the final interpretation of the Elections Rules, and the final decision on the matters sits with them.
8. The Returning Officer and Deputy Returning Officer are responsible for the final interpretation of the Societies Election Rules & Guidelines If you have any questions about language or clarification of these Societies Election Rules & Guidelines, please contact societies@roehampton.ac.uk

Now that you've submitted your nomination and your manifesto, it's time to start putting your campaign together. Campaigning is how you interact with voters (e.g. all the students of Roehampton) and how you convince them to vote for you!

We've seen some brilliant examples of campaigning in the past and everyone has a different style. Below we've put together some tips on how you can run a successful campaign.

Understanding Your Campaign - Your campaign should follow the five W's;

• Who are you?
• What are you running for?
• Why should someone vote for you?
• When can they do this?
• Where can they do this?

Make a Poster/Leaflet - The best way to start is by designing a poster or leaflet that highlights your manifesto points, who you are and how people can vote for you. A good way to do this is through www.canva.com which has a host of ideas and free templates available to you. Be sure to check the rules and regulations,further down on this webpage, around printed materials and campaign spending.

Go Speak to Students - It may seem obvious, but just going up and speaking to people is a great way to get your name out there. Try not to interrupt people, but head over to introduce yourself to someone on their lunch break and ask if they'd be interested in hearing about your manifesto. Don't forget to give them one of your leaflets! If you'd like to have some data on current student issues, you can read through our RSU Members Manifesto.

Make Use of YOUR Social Media - A great way of campaigning is to use your social media to let people know you're running and what you stand for. Don't create a new account as people who don't follow it won't see your amazing ideas. Use your own social media channels and tell people about your campaign. You can create great graphics using www.canva.com. Don't forget to create content that appeals to your audience. You can check out the demograghic of Roehampton students here.

Make a Campaign Video - Another great way of using social media is to make a campaign video. It doesn't have to be the next Avengers film! it just needs to be you speaking to the camera about the five W's we mentioned above!

Have a Catchy Slogan - An effective slogan is short and to the point! Don't overcomplicate it. 

'Can I Be Your Second Choice?' - We use SVT (Single Transferrable Voting). The truth is not everyone is going to vote for you. Some people may already be supporting their friends and you won't be able to change that. However, the benefit of SVT means that you can still potentially be their second choice. When speaking to someone, kindly ask that "if I'm not your first choice, please consider me for your second or third choice". The final count can change drastically as votes are redistributed to second and third choices.

Remember to Have Fun! - These elections are an opportunity for you to put yourself out there, try something new and push to enact real change at Roehampton, but don't forget to keep a smile on your face and have fun with your campaign! 

Volunteering with the RSU

 

No matter if youre brand new to this, or experienced, we will make sure you have an amazing experience volunteering with RSU. All Society volunteers benefit from:

 

1. A dedicated team of staff at the RSU

2. Training and induction to your new role

3. Ongoing support and training from the RSU throughout your time volunteering

4. A clearly defined role profile outlining the tasks and responsibilities of your role

5. Opportunities for recognition of your achievements such as the annual RSU Awards

 

To look at a more detailed role description for each Society leadership position, please click on the role descriptions below:

 

• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Custom Roles

When Do I Start Volunteering?

If you successfully are elected to become a Society leader on the 10 of May, you will be informed by RSU and congratulated on your win. You won't become the Society leader straight away.

You will be invited to a handover by the current Society leaders. This is a meeting where they explain to you how they found leading the Society, and pass on tips and guidance.

To officially start in your role, you will need to attend RSU Training for your new role, and an Induction Meeting with the RSU Societies Team - who will be your staff support throughout your time volunteering.

Your role will officially begin on the 1 of July 2024 -provided you have attended an induction meeting with the RSU- so you can settle in, meet your new team, and plan ahead for your first activities in September 2024.

As an international student, if you do not have the right to live and work in the UK without restriction you may be concerned about taking on a volunteering role at RSU as the Home Office places restrictions on 'voluntary work'. All RSU Society Leadership roles do not constitute 'voluntary work' and therefore do not contribute to your restrictions. This is because there is no contract with RSU, you are not required to undertake specific tasks at specific times, there is no renumeration of any kind, and you are not replacing a paid employee or formerly paid role.