Elections FAQs

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With the Students’ Union elections just around the corner, we want to help you get up to speed if you’re thinking about running for one of our leadership positions. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the nominations and voting process.

If you can’t find the answer to your question here, feel free to get in touch with the Representation Team at surepresentation@bnu.ac.uk.

Remember: Elections are your opportunity to have your say, so get involved, stand for a role, and make your vote count!

Why should I run in the Students’ Union elections?
Running in the elections allows you to make a real difference to the student experience at BNU. Whether it’s pushing for 24-hour library access, improving campus services, or tackling hidden course costs, student leaders are the driving force behind positive change.

These roles also boost your employability. With the graduate job market becoming more competitive, leadership experience will help you stand out from the crowd.

How do I stand for a role?

It’s quick and easy to nominate yourself:

Log in to the Students’ Union website using your Blackboard details.
Go to the Elections page and click “Stand in Election”.
Check your details (name, email, phone number) and click “Save”.
Under “Posts you can stand for”, find “Action: Stand” and click it.
If you’re running for an elected officer role, you’ll need two students to support your nomination. Enter their names or ID numbers.
Scroll back to “Review Nominations”, find “Manifesto”, and click “Upload”.
Add your photo, slogan (max. 6 words), and upload your manifesto.

What if someone I know is already running?

Don’t let this put you off! These positions are unique opportunities, and you don’t want to look back and regret not standing because someone you know is also running.

Do I need any experience to run?
Not at all! We’ll give you all the support, training, and resources you need to give you the best possible chance of success.

The Representation Team will keep in regular contact throughout the nomination and election periods, providing you with updates, advice, and guidance whenever you need it.

When is the deadline to put myself forward?
Nominations close at noon on Friday 16th February, so don’t leave it too late!

Who can I speak to if I’m interested in running in the elections?

Drop by the Students’ Union offices at High Wycombe or Uxbridge and ask to speak to a member of the Representation Team. Alternatively, email surepresentation@bnu.ac.uk or visit bucksstudentsunion.org/elections for more information.

How does the voting work?

At Bucks, we use two voting systems: Alternative Vote (AV) and Single Transferable Vote (STV).

Alternative Vote (AV):
- This system is used for elections with one position available (e.g. Sabbatical Officers).
- You rank the candidates in order of preference (1 for your favourite, 2 for your second favourite, and so on).
- If a candidate receives over 50% of the votes as the first choice, they are elected.
- If no one gets 50%, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Their votes are redistributed based on voters’ second preferences. This continues until one candidate wins.

AV ensures your vote still counts, even if your top choice doesn’t win.

Sources: electoral-reform.org.uk/voting-systems/types-of-voting-system/alternative-vote/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3jE3B8HsE&t=74s

Single Transferable Vote (STV):
- This system is used for elections with multiple positions available (e.g. Student Trustees).
- You rank candidates in order of preference.
- To win, a candidate needs a set number of votes, called a quota, which is calculated based on the total votes and positions available.
- If a candidate receives more votes than the quota, the extra votes are redistributed to voters’ next preferences.
- If no one reaches the quota, the least popular candidate is eliminated, and their votes move to the next preferences. This process continues until all positions are filled.

Both systems ensure your preferences are taken into account and that every vote matters!

Sources: electoral-reform.org.uk/voting-systems/types-of-voting-system/single-transferable-vote/, youtube.com/watch?v=l8XOZJkozfI

How do I vote?

Visit the Elections page.
Log in with your Blackboard details.
Find the election you want to vote in and click “Candidate List”.
Click the “Vote” button.

That’s it – your vote is cast!

If you’d like a step-by-step guide, you can watch this video tutorial.

Elections FAQs

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