Any of our members have the right to raise a complaint regarding a candidate or Your SU if they feel a rule has
been breached. We have a clear process in how all our election complaints are handled and resolved. Submit a
complaint here.
Rules and Guiding Principles
It is our aim that our elections are conducted in a free, fair and friendly manner. We establish rules and
guiding principles so we are clear and transparent in how we ensure free, fair and friendly elections and that
everyone has a fair chance.
Rules
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Rule One
Candidates shall not spend over the amount provided by the Students’ Union.
Candidates shall be required to keep a log of all items and resources used (if any) for their
campaign.
Candidates shall be required to submit their campaign amount spent no later than 24 hours after
voting closes.
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Rule Two
Candidates can campaign as a group of candidates (slate).
This includes merging or sharing of campaign budget, campaign materials and campaign team members.
Any slate is limited to four (4) candidates.
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Rule Three
Candidates can be endorsed by any student member or group of the Students’ Union.
No candidate can be endorsed or seek endorsement from non-SU members. This shall include members of
the University staff, Students’ Union staff or external companies.
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Rule Four
Candidates must take reasonable steps to ensure that the actions of their supporters (such as
campaign team members), comply with the election regulations, rules, and guidance.
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Rule Five
Candidates must adhere to all Students’ Union and Coventry University Group policies. This shall
include following any instructions and guidance regarding where candidates are permitted to
campaign.
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Rule Six
Candidates must not undertake activities that are deemed negative campaigning, such as smear
campaigns that focus on another candidate’s character.
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Rule Seven
Candidates must allow the electorate (voters) to cast their vote secretly, freely, and fairly.
Candidates must not attempt to influence/coerce voters whilst they are in the process of voting.
This includes not touching any voters device during the Elections voting period.
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Rule Eight
Candidates can only alter, move, or remove their own campaign materials whilst campaigning and voting
is open, except when the candidate is part of a slate. In this case you can alter, move, and remove
your slates materials.
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Rule Nine
Candidates shall not undertake campaigning activity which others could not reasonably do.
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Rule Ten
All Candidates must submit a five-bullet point manifesto which is related to the role that they are
running for, as well as a non-filtered head and shoulders photograph of themselves, in order to be
eligible for the Election.
Guiding Principles
We expect all those involved in Elections to also keep the following principles in mind when thinking about their
behaviour.
- Campaigners (candidates and their supporters) should treat other campaigners, students and members of the
public with dignity and respect.
- Campaigners (candidates and their supporters) should focus on their own campaign plan and follow it through.
For their wellbeing they should not concern themselves with others campaigns.
- Even though candidates cannot support each other to campaign this does not mean you cannot support each
other’s wellbeing. A friendly and open culture is important and a nice word can go a long way to support
someone’s mental health.
Please note: : if you feel another candidate is struggling, please refer them to a member of the
elections team so we can offer support.
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Campaigners (candidates and their supporters) should not do anything to gain an unfair advantage.