Elections

Final Election Results:

(For candidates looking to appeal a decision, please fill out our Elections Appeals Form) 

 Any candidate may challenge the validity of his/her interim election results in a written submission (the above form) containing their request to the Elections Appeals Committee no later than forty-eight (48) hours after the interim election results are released.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to review the revised Election Policy.  Where can I find a copy?

Elections Policy – Approved November 2024

How do I find out more information about candidates to make an informed vote?

Approved candidate information is available above.  You can also watch around campus for campaign materials from all candidates.  Stay tuned for more information on the 2025/26 candidates debate.

If I have a complaint, how can I report it?

 Information details required to address complaints which is why we have complaint form that prompts users to include important information, including evidence of the concern.  The CRO and DRO will receive a copy of your complaint if you complete the form at the link below:

Election Complaint form

As a candidate, how do I appeal a decision of the Election CRO/DRO?

Candidates can complete their appeal form using the link within their Nomination Package or they can request it from the CRO/DRO.

When Are The Elections, And Who Can Run?

Voting for the AUSU Elections takes place online over a period of two (2) days. General Election voting days are in February, and voting for the By-Elections, (if required), takes place in early October.  Any active member (Algoma University Student)that meets the required criteria and is in good standing with AUSU can run and vote in the Elections.

Key dates for the 2025 election are:

January 8 – Call out to communicate eligibility requirements

January 10 – Begin accepting applications and communicate deadline dates

January 17 – Nomination period begins

January 24 – Approval of nominees completed and announced

January 28 – Mandatory meeting with approved nominees

January 29 – Campaigning begins

February 5 – Candidate debate/town hall

February 11 – Candidate debate/town hall

February 12 – Candidate debate/town hall

February 12 – Campaigning ends

February 13/14 – Voting days

February 19 – Interim election results released

February 21 – final day to submit election result appeals

How Do I Know What Positions Are Available?

To begin the elections process, a “Notice of Nomination” signed by the Chief Returning Officer is posted online and at the AUSU office to announce the available positions for the General Election. If required, a Notice of Nomination for the By-Election is posted in early September. A full list of AUSU Elected Official positions is located in the Position Description section.

Once the Notice is up, Nomination packages become available. These packages have all the information and forms you need as a candidate. They can be downloaded from the AUSU website. Contact ausu.elections@ausu82.ca for more information.

What Do I Do If I Want To Know More About The Responsibilities Of The Role?

The best way to learn more about a position is to talk to someone currently in the role. You may want to set up a meeting or ask if you can “job shadow” for a few hours. You can contact any of our Elected Officials by email, found below.

You can also attend any AUSU Board meeting to see how the Student Union works as a team to make decisions.

An information session for potential candidates to learn more about how to prepare for the upcoming election will be schedule in November/December.

What Is The “Nomination Period”?

The time from when the Notice of Nomination is put up to the last Nomination Day is known as the Nomination Period. This period lasts at least five (5) business days. This is the time potential candidates use to learn about available positions, fill out the Nomination packages, establish their platform and ask for student support.

To register as a candidate you must meet the CRO or DRO in person on one of the Nomination Days to deliver your Nomination Package. Pay close attention to all the requirements – the CRO will only register you if all of the forms are filled out correctly and you have brought all your supporting materials.

These nomination period days are a busy time and there is often a line. Make sure you come early and set aside enough time to collect your signatures! The CRO or DRO will go through all of your forms to determine your eligibility. Anyone who has not submitted their package by the deadline on the last day is not considered an official candidate and is not permitted to attend the mandatory candidate meeting and not permitted to campaign.

When Can I Tell Other Students That I’m Running?

You can verbally tell other students you have the intent to run as early as you wish. However, students are not permitted to campaign until the Campaign Period officially begins (after the last All Candidates Meeting). Pre-campaigning is against Election Policy and includes posting of materials, asking for votes or sharing information about your campaign platform.

How Much Money Can I Use To Campaign?

To keep elections fair and ensure all candidates are on a level playing field, there are limits on how much you can spend. These limits are outlined in the Nomination Package and depend on what position you are running for. Candidates who exceed the maximum amount for the position they are running for are automatically disqualified.

What areas of the campus can I campaign in?

It is the responsibility of the candidates to familiarize themselves with the different rules that govern each of the aforementioned entities such as: 

i. No campaigning of any form is permitted in the AUSU office, or any area that can be perceived to be under the jurisdiction of AUSU unless otherwise stated by the CRO; and 

ii. Campaigning within a classroom is forbidden without the expressed permission of its presiding faculty member(s)– to campaign in a classroom, a candidate must obtain written consent from the professor/lecturer before the start of the class; and 

iii. Campaigning is not allowed in Residence; and 

iv. Campaigning is not allowed within the Library; and 

v. Campaigning is not allowed within the Computer Labs.

Please refer to the Campus Campaigning Area Map.

Can I Get Help With My Campaign?

Yes! Many students ask friends to support them by “volunteering” for their campaign. These volunteers can help you put up posters and hand out materials during the Campaign Period. You may also wish to have a Campaign Manager to help you for all your campaigning needs!

The Chief Returning Officer and Deputy Returning Officer

The AUSU Chief Returning Officer (CRO) and Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) have been selected by the Elections Committee.  These independent positions will oversee the AUSU Election process in accordance with the AUSU Election Policy (available on the AUSU policies page).

CRO email: ausu.elections@ausu82.ca 

DRO email: ausu.dro@ausu82.