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Elections 2010
Elections 2010
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Get Nominated
To run for election you need to get yourself nominated.
You’ll need to collect the signatures and uni card / student numbers of five other students who support your nomination.
Whoever signs your form will be recognised as your official supporters. This means that they can’t work for Brighton SU during the election period and have to abide by the election regulations. This isn’t particularly hard, but you should make sure they are aware of this.
Download a nomination form here
Download a candidate pack here
Campaigning, Publicity & Manifestoes
So, you know which position you wish to run for, what it’s like to work at the Union and the schedule of events for the election. The next thing to figure out is what you hope to achieve in the role you have chosen. As a democratically elected representative of the student population, you have a great deal of freedom to shape the future of the Union and the student experience at Brighton – so time to get thinking about what you would like to achieve.
Writing a Manifesto
The manifestos for all candidates will be collected together and published on the Union website and in Pebble. There will also be copies at ballot boxes which voters may use to help them decide who to vote for.
Here are some questions you may like to think about when writing your manifesto or preparing your election speeches. .
• What do you see as the main purpose for the Students’ Union?
• Why do you want to be ………..?
• How would you guarantee that the voice of the students is always heard and acted upon?
• When representing students you must…
• What in your opinion is the best way to communicate with the student body?
• What qualities do you have that would aid you in the role of ………?
• What is the most important thing to remember when supporting students?
• What experience do you have that might suit you to this role?
• This position becomes much easier with student participation. How do you plan on getting students involved in your ideas?
Sample manifesto
This manifesto below was used several years ago as part of a successful election campaign. Study the requirements for the position you are interested in and gear you manifesto around that.
Hi, my name is XXXXXXXXXX I’m a final year XXXXXXXX student and I’m running for the position of xxxxxxxxxxxxx. I have been a member of several clubs and societies and the treasurer of the XXXXXXXXXXX team. I am currently liaising with xxxxxxx from the xxxxxxxxxx for help in producing a xxxxxxxxx
Why me?I am passionate about student life and I believe that your days at University should be some of the best days of your life. I aim to be open and be able to keep you informed with what is happening with your union.
The next year or so is going to be an exciting time with the beginning of the construction of the new student union. I hope to see that the transition to the new student union runs as smoothly as possible.
If elected as xxxxxxxxxxx I intend to
Be approachable and open to suggestions and comments by all.Make sure that with all the changes that are coming that you stay in control.
See a greater input of ideas from a broader range people so that your union is run in the fairest way possible.
So What Now?All you have to do now is go down to the question time listen to the speeches and make up your mind and on XXXXXX go to one of the polling stations and cast your vote. Make a difference, vote XXXXXX.
All text to be supplied in Word, compatible with Office 2003 (ending .doc) If you are using Office 2007 you will need to Save As to ensure your document is compatible. Pictures and artwork to be supplied @ 300dpi. in jpeg or pdf format only.
If you need any help or are unsure what this means contact m.r.rivett@brighton.ac.uk
The Campaign
Most people have never run an election campaign. It is important to be organised and think about how you can get your message out to the widest number of students. Campaigning for elections is very tiring. It is a really good idea to get as much support as possible. Try and get together a reliable campaign team.
Getting elected is all about being seen and remembered, (preferably in a good light!)
Talk to students as much as possible - about yourself, your views and manifesto. This helps them understand the importance of electing the right Brighton SU Officers and enables you to perfect your speech prior to candidate question times.
Remember to talk to 1st years, they are more likely to vote than other years
Talk to key people in clubs and societies, they are active students and know what the Union does.
Go to where students meet and talk to people. - Students are more likely to vote for you if they can put a face to the name.
Target main entrances. - Students are likely to vote as soon as they can when they come in to get it over and done with so get to them early. But remember not to block access.
Leave plenty of manifestos on coffee bar tables. - Students do discuss elections and who they are going to vote for over a coffee, so make sure you are well represented.
The lecture address - For a week or so before the election stand up at the end of lectures and let people know that you are standing. Make sure you ask your lectures for permission first.
Take flyers/manifestos to lectures - in fact keep them with you at all times as you never know when a canvassing opportunity may appear.
Be friendly, courteous and genuine. Listen and respond to your electorate.
Be imaginative: Campaigning is about a lot more than flyers and posters. Do something that stands out from the crowd!
These campaigning tips are ideas from NUS and offer a general guide to campaigning. For further information check the NUS website www.nusonline.co.uk
Publicity
In addition to your manifesto, which in all honesty may not get read by all students, apart from actually going out and having conversations with students, the primary means of getting noticed by the wider student population is your publicity
Candidates have a great deal of freedom to create publicity as they see fit. You may choose to create a brand which succinctly expresses you unique qualities and suitability for the job. Or may choose a clever or witty slogan combined with an image which they feel makes them memorable.
All publicity needs to be approved by the Deputy Returning Officer prior to its distribution.
Candidates have a photocopying allowance they may use to duplicate their publicity that may be used in Brighton SU offices. Details of this will be provided in the candidate briefing. It is worth remembering that this is a black and white photocopying allowance when designing your publicity.
Candidates are also allowed to spend a small amount of money on their own publicity materials. Full details of this are set at each election and will be available at the candidate briefing.
Location of publicity
The placing of publicity materials is the responsibility of the candidates. With permission, posters may be placed on any University notice boards, providing that they do not cover any existing University information. Candidates should try and cover as many student focused areas as possible to ensure maximum coverage of their campaign. For reasons of safety, no poster may be placed on floors, windows, steps or paths.
Election Statement
All candidates are asked to provide an election statement or slogan, up to a maximum of 25 words, that encapsulates their policies or campaign.
Candidate Questions
All candidates will be asked a few questions, about themselves and their beliefs. These will be published alongside the candidate manifestos. All candidates for the same position will be asked the same questions.
Video Statements
We offer candidates the opportunity to record a video statement that can be viewed via the Union website. These will be recorded at the candidate briefing, so please be prepared to speak fro a minute on why you should receive the student vote.
We ask all candidates the same questions.
• Who are you?
• What post are you standing for?
• What do you hope to achieve if elected?
• What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Some candidates feel awkward speaking in front of the camera. This is perfectly normal. The best way to overcome this is to practise in front of friends or a mirror untill you are absolutely sure about what you want to say.
23/1/10 al
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