Running in an election

Make a Difference

Elections Toolkit

So… you’re considering running in a USC election – that’s very exciting! Whether it be a councillor, faculty president, or USC position, it’s always helpful to have a little background information about this complex organization.

Read our 2022 Elections Toolkit PDF to get started, then read more helpful tips below.

Step 1: Building Your Platfform

What sets you apart from the other candidates? Why should students vote for you? With the help of volunteers, develop a unique platform that builds upon core student values and addresses issues of importance…

Step 2: Putting Your Campaign Team Together

There is no perfect template to structure a campaign team and each will be unique from the other. This brief will outline some suggestions to think about when beginning this process and tips that will be helpful to you in the process…

Step 3: Preparing For A Debate

Debates are a great way to highlight why you are running and ultimately should answer why students should elect you to a position in leadership. We asked successful candidates for their top tips…

Step 4: Managing Campaign Finances

The USC offers candidates’ financial support to fund campaign efforts. This Guide will outline your financial obligations and the resources avaiable to you….

Step 5: Geting Out The Vote

Getting out the vote (GOTV) on election day is one of the most important aspects of your campaign. Elections are decided by the number of votes cast. Learn how to mobilize your supporters….

Election 2022-23 Key Dates

Deadlines

January 20 @ 11:59pm EST:
Nomination closes for Faculty Representatives, Faculty Presidents, and USC Presidential candidates.

Mandatory Meetings

TBA

Campaign Period

General Election

Nominations open:
January 16, 2023 @ 12:00am

Nominations Close:
January 20, 2023 @ 11:59pm

All candidates’ meeting:
TBA

Campaigning begins:
January 23 @ 12:00 am

Voting Opens:
February 7 @ 8:00am

Voting Closes:
February 10 @8:00pm

Results:
February 13

“Every Election is determined by the people who show up.”

Larry J. Sabato

Logistics - Running a Clean Campaign

campaign Documents

You must meet several requirements in order to avoid sanctions or disqualification during the campaign period.

Artwork upload

All printed campaign materials and advertisements require approval by the CRO in advance of posting, printing, and/or distributing.

event proposal

All candidates are required to submit an event proposal to the CRO for approval for any USC elections-related events (online events). This includes any “event” designed to connect students together for the purpose of campaigning. Please ensure proposals are submitted at least 48 hours prior to the intended event.

Expense Tracker

All candidates are required to use the expense tracker to track campaign expenses and be eligible for reimbursements. Original receipts must be submitted for each expense. Please ensure to submit the tracking sheets and original receipts by March 11th @ 4pm.

We are here to help...

For Your Reference:

Candidates are responsible for reviewing the following documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the do’s and don’ts of the elections process as well as everything in between.

(Each bullet point is a link to the relevant PDF.)

Make sure you have...

NOTE: Affiliate Colleges have different procedures. Review those documents here:

Western Elections

Western's Student Senate and Board of Governors Elections

Full information about Senate and Board of Governors elections (including the election procedures, schedule, and nomination forms) can be found at:

Senate elections:
www.uwo.ca/univsec/senate/elections.html

Board of Governors:
www.uwo.ca/univsec/board/elections.html

Contact elections@uwo.ca with any questions.

USC Elections