Who are the Elections Team?
The Elections Team are Students' Union staff members who are responsible for the conduct of the elections and ensuring that our elections are free, fair, and accessible to all UWE Bristol students.
Returning Officer (external)
Peter Robertson (he/him) - National Union of Students
Deputy Returning Officer
Em Harvey (she/her)
Assistant Returning Officers
The Students' Union at UWE Representation Coordinators
Where can I get support with technical issues?
Email SUElections@uwe.ac.uk with your name, ID Number and a screen shot of the issue and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
I’m on a slate. Can I share my opinion for 2nd/3rd preferences with voters?
Yes, as long as you are sharing your personal opinion and not outright campaigning for people not officially on your slate, you are welcome to share this with voters. You should share your positive personal opinions only in line with our prohibitions on negative campaigning.
I’m not on a slate. Can I share my opinion for other positions / 2nd or 3rd preferences?
Yep, same rules as above!
can my sport/society endorse me in the election?
Yes, your sport or society can officially endorse you during the campaign period. Official endorsement will only be approved with evidence from the sport or society committee showing that a vote in the committee has yielded a majority in favour of endorsement, if you are on the committee your vote does not count. Once an endorsement has been confirmed this will be made public on the Endorsement page, candidates may seek to gain endorsement from the committee before the campaign period begins but campaign material must not be posted until the campaign period begins.
Can alumni be part of campaign teams?
Our Articles and Byelaws state that democracy is an exercise for full members of the union – the current students of UWE Bristol. As such, we have ruled that alumni cannot be part of campaign teams.
When can I start campaigning?
A campaign may not start campaigning activities until all of the following conditions are met:
- The date and time at which campaigning may begin, according to the Notice of Election, has passed (12 October 00:00);
- The candidate has attended all the mandatory briefings required by the Deputy Returning Officer (candidate briefing);
- The candidate has submitted the list of members of their campaign team to the Elections Team in the format and including the details prescribed by the Deputy Returning Officer.
How much money can I spend?
Each candidate has a £50 spending limit which can be claimed back with valid receipts and evidence. You must submit your budget form by 16 October at 12:00, even if you have not spend anything you need to email the Elections team telling us this before the deadline. There is a drop in session in the Upper Engagement Space from 10:00 – 12:00 on 16 October to support candidates with any issues they may have with their budget forms.
Can I print stickers, if so how many?
Yes, 500. The rules have been updated to reflect this.
Can I put up posters/stickers in non-UWE locations that lots of students go to?
Yes, as long as these posters are accounted for within your campaign expenditure and you have permission to put them up from the person who owns/manages the location. Please note that flyposting – putting up posters/stickers on lampposts, boarded up shops, or walls without consent – is illegal. You can receive a fine from the council, and a sanction from the elections team. If in doubt, ask.
Can I knock on doors in accommodation?
Yes, you may knock on doors on Frenchay and Glenside campuses – before you do so, please get in touch to request a key fob from us. We are in the process of confirming whether you will be able to knock on doors in city centre halls managed by Unite and Tower.
When does voting start?
Voting begins on 14 October 10:00 and runs until 17 October 22:00. This is also when campaigning finishes and campaign material should be removed.
How do I know if I have won?
The election count begins at 10:00 on 18 October with results being announced on The Students’ Union social media channels at 15:00. We will also email you at the same to inform you of the outcome.
Are there any important dates I should know about?
Part Time Officer training will run on 21 October from 09:00 – 17:00, please let us know if you are not able to attend the full day.