Election fever is here...and the future officers of your unions will be decided over the next few months.

Election time at unions brings out the best, and some could argue the worst, in people. But this is your unions chance to promote itself, what it does and how you can inspire people to get involved.

The question is: what does it mean to vote and why should students? Do they realise that they are voting for the people who will lead the union the next year? And how do you make candidates realise what they are actually standing for?

NUS have produced a pack and guidance as to how to get people involved, how to encourage candidates to stand, and more importantly how to evaluate what you are doing right in election time and areas to improve.

Included in this is research showing the numbers that voted in different union elections, the impact of electronic voting, and trends that relate to the length of time voting can take place and how long unions keep nominations open for. You will also find model posters and materials that you can adapt for your own union to promote your elections.

Over the course of election time more students will be spoken to than at any other time of the year. Make sure you are promoting your union and what it stands for – why not give each person who votes some information about your priority campaign or an opportunity to get involved.

Enjoy election time around your unions and remember – you can make all the complaints you like or worry about what the other candidates are doing - but the way you win elections is by going out talking to students and promoting the positives

Cheers
Richard ‘Bubble’ Budden

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