RAUSU Election Rules

Election Oversight

• The External Returning Officer (RO) (NUS Charity) is responsible for appeals and ensuring the overall fairness of the election.
• The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) (Sam Harris, Transformation Director) is responsible for ruling on complaints, overseeing the election process, and administration.

1. Campaigning Rules

1. Candidates must treat each other with respect. You can be critical of others’ ideas or performance related to the role and campaign. Personal attacks will not be tolerated.
2. Candidates cannot oversee, administer, or provide coverage of the election.
3. Campaigning can only begin after attending a briefing, candidate eligibility has been confirmed after nominations close and during the designated campaigning period.
4. Prohibited actions include:
   • Influencing or observing someone while they vote.
   • Voting on behalf of another person.
   • Offering bribes for votes.
   • Tampering with or removing other candidates' campaign materials (physical or digital).
5. The above rules shall not interfere with the freedom of all candidates to express lawful views and opinions that may offend, shock or disturb. Freedom of speech and expression, within the law, is a human right which underpins a democratic society. It is not an absolute right and can be restricted in circumstances where it is legitimate and proportionate to do so.

2. Use of SU & University Spaces

1. Posters and campaign materials can be placed around the SU building and campus notice boards, but not on fire doors, electronic screens, or surfaces with visibility strips.
2. White-tac must be used for posters; stickers, paint, or glue are not allowed.
3. Chalking is permitted on outdoor floors.
4. Candidates must not block entrances, exits, or pathways while campaigning.
5. Candidates cannot campaign in the library.

3. Endorsements

1. Only individual Union members and Society/Club Committee Members can endorse candidates.
2. SU Officers, SU Committees, and external groups cannot endorse candidates.
3. Endorsements can only be made during the campaign period.

4. Budget & Spending

1. Candidates may not exceed the agreed spending limit for the position for which they are a candidate (£50 for Full-Time).
   • Candidates can spend no more than £20 of their total allocated budget on printed materials.
   • Printing access through courses or roles must be costed at University rates.
2. Proof of spending must be submitted via email to elections@rausu.co.uk by 10am on the day that voting closes.
3. Failure to comply with budget rules or submit proof of spending on time may result in sanctions up to and including disqualification.

5. Election Complaints Process

1. Any election related complaint will only be considered when submitted through the Elections Complaint Form. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
2. Complaints must be submitted before the close of voting; no complaints will be accepted after this deadline.

3. The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) will rule on complaints within one working day of receipt.
4. The External Returning Officer (RO) will rule on appeals within one working day of receipt.
5. Appeals must be submitted in writing through the Elections Complaint Form:
   • Before voting opens: within 24 hours of the DRO’s decision.
   • During the voting period: within 3 hours of the DRO’s decision.

Key Dates 

Nominations: 10^th March – 17^th March

Mandatory Candidate Training:  19^th March 12.30pm – 13.30pm OR 26^th March 09.30am – 10.30am

Campaigning and Voting Open: Tuesday 1^st April 10.00am – Thursday 3^rd April 14.00pm.

Candidate Question Time: Tuesday 1^st April 12:30 – 13.30pm

Announcement: Thursday 3^rd April at 20.00pm