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.
