Running in an election
Make a Difference
Elections Toolkit
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….
plan of action
know your Responsibilities
Key Dates
Deadlines
Jan 12 @ 8:00am EST – January 19 @ 4:00pm EST:
Nomination period for Faculty Representatives, Faculty Presidents, and USC Presidential candidates
January 29 @ 8:00am EST – February 19 @ 4:00pm EST:
Nomination period for USC Vice Presidential candidates
Mandatory Meetings
January 19 @ 5:00:
All Candidates Meeting
(Zoom link to be provided once nominations are verified)
February 12 @ 5:00
VP Candidates
(Zoom link to be provided once nominations are verified)
Campaign Period
General Election
January 12-19:
Nomination Period
January 20-31:
Campaign Period
February 1-2:
Voting
February 4:
Results Night
VP Candidates
February 20th:
Campaigning Opens
March 6th:
Campaigning Closes
March 7th:
Voting (USC AGM)
“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.
All forms will be available once Nominations open on January 12th, 2021
Pay Your Bond
A refundable bond must be posted as part of your campaign. You can pay this online with a credit card via the USC’s secure payment portal.
Artwork upload
event proposal
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 February 2nd @ 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...
- Read Bylaw 2. This document outlines the overarching regulations governing the USC elections process
- Read the EGC Violations Policy. This document outlines in more detail the rules for how candidates shall run their campaigns
- Read the EGC Violations Procedure. This document outlines the proper procedures for receiving, processing, reviewing, and publicizing the results of violations of Bylaw 2 and all applicable regulations
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.