That time of year is coming around again…. student union elections. If you’ve been on campus before when elections are happening, you’ll likely have seen the candidates across the university handing out flyers, speaking at the end of lectures and getting the word out about their manifesto. If you’ve never heard of the students’ Union elections before, this is an election for your student representatives. You’ll usually get the chance to select multiple representatives for different roles within the SU. Student elections are an important period in the academic calendar, it’s the time when you really get the chance to have your say over who represents you and consider who will be the right candidate for the job. If you’ve never taken part in an election before now is your chance! At accommodation for students, we’ve compiled a list of reasons as to why you should vote in your upcoming SU elections.
It’s YOUR Union
Being a part of the Students’ Union is an integral part of your university experience. The Students’ Union is organised and run by students for the interest of the whole student community. The officers who are elected have the power to influence your experience at university, they can decide which causes to campaign for and make decisions which have significant implications. By voting in the election, you’re having your say over who represents you and your union.
Have your voice heard
Each year your university will have a budget for spending for different resources, facilities and towards different causes. This budget includes spending for student societies and for student events. Student officers have influence over how this budget is allocated and where the money will be spent. It is vital that you vote for a representative that has your interests in mind. If you have particular ideas for where the university needs to invest its money, then voting for someone who shares these ideas will help you to have your voice heard.
Opportunity to participate in making a change
Each candidate for the student elections will have a manifesto with their pledges to you and their promise as a student officer. They will have particular campaigns that they are interested in, and things that they are going to work towards during their time in the role. By voting in your SU elections you have the opportunity to participate in that change. For example, if one of your officers has pledged to make student night clubs safer in light of the recent incidents, then voting for them can help to achieve positive change.
Hold officers to account
If your officer has promised something in their manifesto and they are not living up to that promise, you have the opportunity to hold them to account. To ask them why they aren’t focusing on a particular issue or cause, and how they plan to implement the promises from their manifesto.
The students’ Union elections are your chance to have your say, to vote for someone that represents YOU and YOUR interests. If you want to see when the elections are coming up at your university then head over to your university website to find out more.
