How to Vote

The process of voting is fairly simple, though it's worth taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with what you can do, and how you can make the most informed choice.

1. Step #1

   Log in to the website!

   

   This one may seem obvious! :) But you need to log in using the Student Login option to take part. Guest accounts won't be able to vote.

   You can try logging in now to make sure you'll be able to take part. If your login doesn't work follow the instructions on screen to opt-in to sharing your data.

   Test Your Login

2. Step #2

   Agree to the terms

   You'll be asked if you agree to the terms of the election (they just check that you understand what you're voting for and confirm that you are a student).

3. Step #3

   Vote for the candidates you'd like to win!

   You don't have to vote for every post in one go, but once you've voted for a post you can't change your vote so make sure you're happy with your choice before you submit.

   When you vote you can choose more than one candidate. It's good to choose a few candidates you like to give you the best chance of being represented by someone you like.

   What if I'm not sure who to vote for?

   This is where candidate pledges, videos, and manifestos come in. The candidates each lay out what they will do if elected so you can choose the ones that make promises you agree with.

   Elected officers have a big influence over action and policy - think of things like No Detriment, Rent Strikes, Fee Refunds, these are all issues officers work on. The people you choose will decide what happens.

   Browse the Candidates

   Why can I choose more than one?

   We use a transferable vote system. All this really means is if your first choice doesn't receive enough votes we'll move your vote to your next preference.

   It's like saying, "I think we should go to Nando's, but if not there then Five Guys, or Las Iguanas." If enough other people want to go to Nando's then great! You're off to Nando's. If no-one else fancies Nando's then your vote is moved to Five Guys.

   Read more about Transferable Votes

4. Step #4

   Feel good about having your say... and get some goodies!

   After voting there are a few big things to wait for:

   • The Results! Find out who won.
   • Your Voter Survey. This part is crucial, by telling us why you voted (or didn't) we can make Elections better for you next year.

Single Transferable Vote

In SU Elections you get to select multiple candidates rather than just choosing one. It's like if you were going for dinner with friends and you could either go to Nando's, Las Iguanas, or Five Guys.

You probably have a favourite option. The one you'd vote for. But if no-one else wants to go there one you probably have a second preference, right? And there might even be one that if it came to it you just wouldn't go there?

It's exacly the same idea in STV. You can read a bit more about how preferences work or see the voting process in action below.