The Rules

Returning Officer & Deputy Returning Officer

The Union’s Returning Officer is Peter Robertson, Charity Director at NUS. They oversee the fair conduct of the elections, interpret the By-Laws to rule on complaints, and oversee the count of the elections. The Deputy Returning Officer is Taylor Kane, Student Engagement Manager at UCASU and shall oversee the running of elections, including complaints, the count, and the administration.

 

Elections Process

  • The election will be conducted in accordance with the UCASU By-Laws, with the Returning Officer serving as the final interpreter.
  • Manifestos must comply with any format requirements set by the Returning Officer (1 A4 page limit).
  • Candidates cannot campaign as a formal team or pool resources. While they may recommend other candidates to voters, formal candidate teams or slates are prohibited.
  • Any candidate may withdraw from the election at any point by notifying the Deputy Returning Officer via email at elections.su@uca.ac.uk.
  • UCASU uses the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system for elections (STV Information).
  • The election count will be conducted via the UCASU website, powered by MSL.

 

Complaints

  • Any complaints about the election process or the conduct of candidates and their campaign teams must be made no later than the close of voting (2PM, Friday 20 March 2026) via email at elections.su@uca.ac.uk. Make sure you include:
    • Your name (this will be kept confidential)
    • As much detail as possible
    • Any evidence
  • The Deputy Returning Officer will initially review complaints in the first instance.
  • The Deputy Returning Officer, in consultation with the Returning Officer as appropriate, shall rule on the matter within 48 hours of receiving the complaint. They may give the candidate the right of reply before making a ruling.
  • Complainants may remain anonymous should they wish.
  • Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:
    • Verbal warning
    • Written warning
    • Ban on campaigning for a designated length of time, depending on the severity of the infraction
    • Disqualification
  • Candidates have 24 hours to appeal the outcome.
  • Any complaint against the administration of the election must be received by the Returning Officer before the close of voting on 2PM, Friday 20 March 2026.

 

Campaigning

  • Candidates must adhere to all laws and UCASU/University policies, including but not limited to the UCA Bullying and Harassment Policy and Student Code of Conduct (see appendices).
  • All candidates and their teams must allow students to cast their votes freely and without pressure. If a student needs assistance, they must communicate this to a Union staff member.
  • All votes will be cast online at UCASU.COM/ELECTIONS.
  • Candidates must not interfere with any designated polling station (an electrical device such as a mobile phone or laptop used by a student to vote for candidates in the election). Candidates and their team must not provide a personal device (tablet, mobile, laptop, etc.) for, or vote on behalf of, any voter.
  • Candidates and their teams shall not interfere with, remove, or alter other candidates' promotional material.
  • Candidates cannot bribe, impersonate, or harass any student during campaigning.
  • Printing allowances:
    • Presidential candidates: 100 pages of A4 printing free from the Union.
    • Campus Officer candidates: 50 pages of A4 printing free from the Students' Union.
  • Campaign spending limits:
    • Presidential candidates: Up to £30.00 of personal funds, but they may use existing materials (if reasonably accessible to all candidates). Receipts must be provided upon request. Overspending may result in penalties.
    • Campus Officer candidates: Up to £15.00 of personal funds, with similar material access and receipt requirements.
  • Candidates must not attack other candidates' campaigns in a derogatory or inflammatory manner. They may critique opponents' ideas (e.g., "I don't think this idea will work, I offer a better alternative of..." instead of "You're rubbish").
  • UCASU and its staff cannot endorse any candidate and are responsible for ensuring a free and fair election.

 

Incumbent Officers

Candidates who currently hold a position (paid and/or elected) within UCASU may not use Union time or resources to enhance their own campaigning or that of another candidate.

 

Appendices

 

 

 

Manifesto Help

What is a Manifesto?

A ‘public declaration of policy and aims’, or simply put, a manifesto is what you plan to do if elected, and the changes you want to influence.

 

How to make your Manifesto

Your manifesto must be no more than one A4 page and must include your name, the position you are running for, and at least two pledges (what you want to achieve in the role). We recommend including an image of yourself, your course and campus, and any relevant experience.

 

Top tips for writing your Manifesto

  1. Be concise. Make it snappy using clear and accessible language.
  2. Be eye-catching. Engage readers with alliteration and create a brand using a consistent colour palette.
  3. Set out realistic and achievable goals. Research what voters want and look at previous manifestos (including those from other Students’ Unions).
  4. Be creative! After all, you are running to represent art students.

Once you have drafted your manifesto, feel free to run it past us if you would like some feedback by contacting elections.su@uca.ac.uk. Union staff must remain impartial but can ensure you have included the essentials.