Elections

To become a candidate you must file a Declaration of Candidacy form. The Declaration of Candidacy forms can all be found on Rock Chalk Central. Check the elections schedule to see when they open.

• Gathering of signatures is not necessary for candidates

No. Once you have completed your Declaration of Candidacy form, you may begin campaigning through the end of the elections schedule. 

No. You must be a member of the division that the position represents, i.e. you cannot be an Engineering representative if you are not a member of the Engineering school.

Elections Commission decisions may be appealed to the University Judicial Board within 30 days. We are not an infallible committee and answer to the Senate regulations and rules as any other affiliated body does.

Check the Elections Schedules above to see when ballots open.

There is no definitive timeline. Elections Commission will determine if the election has been certified, and results will be shared once this process is complete. You may request a recount or contest the results before Monday at 5pm the week following the election.    

Each Presidential and Vice Presidential ticket is jointly allocated $1000 for campaigning. 

Candidates are prohibited from utilizing outside funding or resources to participate in the Student Senate Election. You are able to use any materials within the Campaign Resource Closet. Please reach out to the Elections Commission by emailing election@ku.edu to discuss how to access available items. 

“Any paraphernalia or property with the primary purpose of promoting or opposing the election of any candidate or group of candidates to any Student Senate office.” You are able to use any materials within the Campaign Resource Closet. Please reach out to the the Elections Commission by emailing election@ku.edu to discuss how to access available items. 

Campaigning can be done through various methods such as:

• Tabling outside of buildings on the KU Campus 
• Chalking with water-soluble sidewalk chalk on horizontal surfaces exposed to the weather 
• Distributing campaign materials such as bulletin boards on campus (with approval) 
  • Items must be removed from all on-campus locations by the end of Election Week
• Visiting student organization during their meetings
• Digitally through candidate websites or social media accounts

The rules for the elections process can be found in the Student Senate Constitution Elections Code.

First, read through Student Senate's Constitution Elections Code. If you can't find your answer, email the Elections Commission at election@ku.edu.

The Student Senate Elections Commission is established as a non-partisan body to ensure a fair election process. The commission sets all deadlines and polling dates, develops voting methods for students, coordinates debates, and oversees any campaign violations and investigations. Members are selected before the election season. The five commissioners serve two-year terms, internally elect their chair, and are advised by Student Affairs.