This is your student government

In accordance with Bylaw 320 (Elections, Plebiscites, and Referenda) and the authority vested in the Elections Office, the following regulation is hereby enforced for the 2025/26 UASU General Election:

Prohibition of Third-Party Endorsements

No third party, including both recognized student groups and unrecognized organizations, may endorse any candidate running in the UASU General Election.

This regulation applies to, but is not limited to:

• Recognized Student Groups: Faculty Associations, Student Representative Associations, Clubs registered under the UASU and any other SU-recognized organizations.
• Unrecognized Groups and External Organizations: Informal student groups, unaffiliated campus movements, political organizations, businesses, and off-campus entities.

Justification for this Regulation

This regulation is derived from Bylaw 320.11 (Campaign Procedures) and Bylaw 320.12 (Endorsements) to:
✅ Maintain election fairness by preventing organizations from using their influence to sway voter decisions.
✅ Ensure equal opportunity for all candidates, regardless of external affiliations or endorsements.
✅ Protect the autonomy of student voters, allowing them to make decisions based on individual candidate platforms rather than institutional backing.

Enforcement and Penalties

Any candidate found soliciting, accepting, or benefiting from a third-party endorsement will be subject to election penalties, including but not limited to:
⚠ Campaign fines deducted from their budget.
⚠ Restrictions on campaign activities (e.g., removal of materials or disqualification from forums).
⚠ Potential disqualification for severe or repeated violations.

Candidates may request further clarification from the Elections Office if they have any questions or concerns.

Download the official statement

To all UASU General Election candidates and prospective candidates,

In accordance with Regulation 320.09 (Campaign Procedures) and other governing election rules, the following clarification is provided regarding candidate consultations during Reading Week:

Permissible Activities

Candidates may engage in private, non-promotional consultations during Reading Week to:

✅ Gather feedback from students on key issues.

✅ Consult with faculty members, student groups, or campus organizations to understand concerns.

✅ Conduct research to refine their potential campaign platforms.

✅ Hold internal discussions with advisors or team members regarding campaign strategy (without publicizing their candidacy).

Prohibited Activities (Pre-Campaigning Violations)

🚫 Announcing candidacy or asking for votes in any form.

🚫 Social media, websites, or other platforms are used to discuss candidacy or campaign issues.

🚫 Distributing campaign materials (posters, flyers, business cards, etc.).

🚫 Seeking endorsements from student groups, faculty, or other organizations.

🚫 Hosting public events or town halls that promote candidacy.

🚫 Sending mass emails or messages related to the election.

Enforcement & Penalties

Any candidate found engaging in campaigning activities before the official campaign period will be subject to election penalties, including:

⚠ Fines deducted from campaign budgets.

⚠ Restrictions on campaign activities (e.g., removal of materials).

⚠ Potential disqualification for repeated violations.

Candidates are encouraged to seek clarification from the Elections Office if unsure whether an activity constitutes pre-campaigning.

For any questions or further guidance, please contact:

📩 Chief Returning Officer (CRO) – cro@uasu.ca

📩 Elections Office – elections@uasu.ca

In accordance with the authority of the Elections Office and Bylaw 320 (Elections, Plebiscites, and Referenda), the following regulation is enforced for the 2025/26 UASU General Election:

Prohibition of Campaigning in UASU Business Premises and SUB

No candidate, campaign team, or volunteer may engage in campaign activities within any Students’ Union business premises, inside the Students’ Union Building (SUB), or on any notice boards within these buildings.

This regulation applies to all forms of campaigning, including but not limited to:

• Distributing flyers, posters, or campaign materials.
• Soliciting votes or engaging in campaign-related discussions.
• Hosting campaign events or informal meetups.
• Posting or affixing materials to notice boards in these restricted spaces.
• Using UASU-operated spaces as a campaign base.

Restricted Locations

The following areas are off-limits for all campaign activities, including notice boards:

A. Students’ Union Business Premises

• Room At The Top (RATT)
• Dewey’s
• Daily Grind
• SUBmart
• Horowitz Events Centre
• UASU InfoLink booths and service areas
• Any other SU-operated retail, service, or food outlets

B. Students’ Union Building (SUB)

• Hallways, lounges, study spaces, and communal areas
• SUB lower level, main floor, and upper floors
• Outside UASU-run service offices (e.g., The Landing, Student Governance Centre)
• All bulletin boards or notice boards within SUB or any UASU business premises

*Exceptions: Candidates may enter these spaces as regular patrons but must not engage in campaign-related conversations, distribute materials, or post them on notice boards.

Purpose of This Regulation

This regulation is enforced to ensure fairness, neutrality, and equal campaign opportunities for all candidates. As the Students’ Union operates businesses and communal spaces for all students, it is essential to:

• Prevent unfair exposure or unequal access to high-traffic UASU spaces.
• Maintain neutrality in locations where the UASU serves the entire student body.
• Ensure a level playing field by restricting campaign activities to general campus areas.

Enforcement & Penalties

Violations of this regulation will result in election penalties, including:

• First Offense: $100 fine deducted from the candidate’s campaign budget.
• Second Offense: Additional fines and removal of campaign privileges in restricted areas.
• Third Offense or Severe Violation: Possible disqualification from the election.

The Elections Office will monitor compliance and investigate reports of violations. For any questions or clarifications, candidates may contact:
Elections Office – elections@uasu.ca

Download the full statement

Ruling Summary

Alleged Poster Size and Quantity Violations by Nate Goetz

Parties to the Ruling

• Gary J Godinho, Chief Returning Officer
• Amaan Khan, Deputy Returning Officer
• Abdul Abbasi, Vice President External Candidate (Complainant)
• Nate Goetz, Vice President External Candidate (Respondent)

Findings

On Monday, February 27, 2025, at 21:44, VP External candidate Abdul Abbasi submitted a formal complaint to the CRO alleging that Nate Goetz’s campaign posters exceeded the size limit of 30 inches (combined height and width) and that there were more than 50 such posters on campus. The CRO required additional investigation time, extending the investigation period until March 4, 2025, as permitted under Bylaw 320.16(3)(a), with notification provided to the DIE Board Chief Tribune.

Ruling

The Elections Office concludes that Nate Goetz violated the poster size restriction (Part B, Page 22) by using posters exceeding a combined height and width of 30 inches, based on his mistaken assumption of a 30” x 30” limit.

Penalty

No additional penalty will be assessed against Nate Goetz. The CRO determines that:

• The removal and destruction of 27 posters and lawn signs sufficiently counterbalance any advantage gained from the size violation.
• Abdul Abbasi’s claim of 50+ posters lacks substantiation, and no fine is warranted for quantity.
• Nate’s good-faith effort to comply, evidenced by his immediate corrective action and truthful response, supports leniency, consistent with the CRO’s authority to avoid punitive measures when adherence is restored (Part B, Page 11).

Appeal

Rulings of the CRO may be appealed to the DIE Board by current undergraduate students using the DIE Board Application Form within 12 working hours of the ruling being posted. This ruling is posted at 12:30 PM on Thursday, March 7, 2025, and the deadline for appeal is 5:30 PM on Friday, March 8, 2025.

Read the full report here.

Ruling Summary

Alleged Poster Spacing Violation by Angelina Raina

Parties to the Ruling

• Gary J. Godinho, Chief Returning Officer
• Karina Banerji, Complainant (Candidate)
• Angelina Raina, Respondent (Candidate)
• Joshua Su, Respondent (Volunteer for Angelina Raina)

Findings

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 4:49 PM, Karina Banerji submitted a complaint via email to the CRO, alleging that Angelina Raina violated election rules on March 1 at 4:00 PM. The complaint was later formalized using the UASU complaint form. The CRO investigated the matter within the required timeframe, concluding by March 7, 2025.

Ruling

The Elections Office concludes that Angelina Raina, through the actions of her volunteer Joshua Su, violated the poster spacing rule (Part B, Page 22) by placing one poster 1 foot apart from another in CAB, as substantiated by Karina Banerji’s photographic evidence.

Penalty

• Spacing Violation: The CRO assesses a penalty for the one poster in CAB placed 1 foot from another:
  • Confiscation of the offending poster (per Part B, Page 25, akin to "Campaigningin an unauthorized area").
  • A fine of $2.00 for the single poster in violation, totalling $2.00, to be counted against Angelina’s campaign expense limit ($550, per Part B, Page 15).
• Poster Removal: No penalty is assessed for Karina’s missing poster in CAB, as she did not claim Angelina’s team removed it, and no evidence suggests involvement by Angelina or Joshua Su. Joshua’s actions in Ag Forestry are unrelated to this complaint.
• The fine and confiscation counterbalance the minor advantage gained, aligning with the CRO’s discretion (Part B, Page 11) to avoid harsher penalties absent intent or significant prejudice.

Appeal

Rulings of the CRO may be appealed to the DIE Board by current undergraduate students using the DIE Board Application Form, available from the Elections Office (elections@uasu.ca). This ruling was posted at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and the deadline for appeal is 9:00 PM on Thursday, March 8, 2025.

Read the full report here.

Ruling Summary

Alleged Improper Conduct Involving Angelina Raina and Adrien Lam During the Myer Horowitz Forum

Parties to the Ruling

• Gary J. Godinho, Chief Returning Officer
• Anonymous Complainant
• Angelina Raina, Respondent (Candidate for Board of Governors Representative)
• Adrien Lam, Current Board of Governors Representative (Alleged Volunteer)

Findings

On an unspecified date, an anonymous complainant submitted a complaint to the Elections Office, alleging improper conduct by Angelina Raina during the Myer Horowitz Forum on March 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The complainant requested anonymity, citing their status as candidate in the General Election, which the CRO has granted under the serious circumstance of potential retaliation (Part C, Page 49). The investigation concluded by March 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM MST.

Ruling

The Elections Office finds no violation of election by laws or regulations by Angelina Raina during the Myer Horowitz Forum on March 3, 2025.

• No Bylaw Violation: The complainant alleges Adrien Lam edited responses via WhatsApp, but no bylaw prohibits a current BoG Representative from volunteering or assisting a candidate in this context (Bylaw 320, Section 12(1)). Adrien was not required to present at the forum, and texting does not breach Regulation 320.09 rules.
• Lack of Evidence: Bylaw 320.16(1)(e) requires evidence, which the complainant did not provide. Without proof (e.g., WhatsApp logs and edited responses), the CRO cannot confirm the alleged actions or their impact, rendering the complaint unsubstantiated.
• Fairness Perception: While the complainant perceives an unfair advantage, no rule explicitly governs real-time volunteer assistance during forums, and no evidence demonstrates a tangible benefit to Angelina over other candidates.

Penalty

• No penalty is assessed against Angelina Raina. The absence of a specific bylaw prohibition and lack of evidence preclude a finding of violation or unfair advantage per Bylaw 320, Section 17(1).
• The CRO will not pursue further investigation into this.

Appeal

Rulings of the CRO may be appealed to the DIE Board by current undergraduate students using the DIE Board Application Form, available from the Elections Office (elections@uasu.ca). This ruling was posted at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025, and the deadline for appeal is 5:00 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Read the full report here.

Ruling Summary

Review of Alleged Misuse of Student Group Influence and Discrimination by Pedro Almeida, Christene Saji, and Sarjana Alam

Parties to the Ruling

• Gary J. Godinho, Chief Returning Officer
• Art Schwieger, Complainant (ISSS Councillor)
• Pedro Almeida, Respondent (Presidential Candidate and ISSS President)
• Christene Saji, Respondent (Volunteer for Pedro Almeida and ISSS Vice-President Academic)
• Sarjana Alam, Respondent (ISSS Vice-President Administration & Finance and Meeting Chairperson)

Findings

On March 4, 2025, at 9:58 AM, Art Schwieger, an ISSS Councillor, filed a complaint alleging two contraventions by Pedro Almeida during the 2025/26 UASU general election campaign, with Christene Saji and Sarjana Alam implicated. Later that day, at 9:58 PM, Art informed the CRO they did not wish to pursue an election complaint for the February 24 incident. The CRO reviewed email correspondence, statements, and election data.

Ruling

The Elections Office finds no actionable violations within its jurisdiction.

Penalty

The CRO has no jurisdiction over ISSS and its operations. Allegation #1 was untimely and withdrawn, and Allegation #2 lacks jurisdiction for UASU election rule violations. Art may pursue discrimination claims via the Faculty of Science or the University’s Code of Student Behaviour, as the CRO cannot address ISSS internal conduct.

Appeal

Rulings of the CRO may be appealed to the DIE Board by current undergraduate students using the DIE Board Application Form, available from the Elections Office (elections@uasu.ca). This ruling was posted at 9:35 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, and the deadline for appeal is 6:35 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Read the full report here.

UASU Chief Returning Officer Ruling

Alleged Misuse of Influence and Election Interference by Michael Chang and the Engineering Students’ Society (ESS) in the UASU Council/GFC Election

Parties to the Ruling

• Gary J. Godinho, Chief Returning Officer
• Amaan Khan, Deputy Returning Officer
• Chisom Amah, Deputy Returning Officer
• Aamir Mohamed, Complainant (Candidate for UASU Council/Former ESS President)
• Michael Chang, Respondent (Candidate for UASU Council/GFC and ESS Co-VP Social)
• Charlotte Andrist, Respondent (ESS Chair, Representing the Engineering Students’ Society)

Elections Office Jurisdiction

The Elections Office has jurisdiction over contraventions of election bylaws, rules, or regulations under Bylaw 320, Section 16(4). The CRO has no oversight of the ESS and its operations, except for limitations imposed by UASU election rules. The complaint was submitted by Aamir Mohamed on March 21, 2025 (exact time unspecified), addressing incidents from March 13 to March 18, 2025, related to the UASU Council/GFC election, with voting starting March 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM. This ruling was finalized on March 25, 2025, at 12:05 AM MST, three business days (March 21, 22, and 25) after receiving the complaint and Michael’s response on March 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM MST, per Bylaw 320.16(3).

Applicable Bylaws, Rules, and Regulations

• General Election Nomination Package, Part B, Page 19, "Student Group Interaction": "Candidates and campaign sides are distinct entities from student groups and should not use any influence they hold with a student group to gain an undue advantage."
• Bylaw 320, Section 11(1): "Each Candidate… shall act reasonably and in good faith, and specifically shall (a) ensure that each Volunteer engaging in Campaign activities on their behalf is aware of all bylaws, rules, regulations, and orders; (b) ensure that each Volunteer is in compliance…"
• Bylaw 320, Section 11(5): "A Candidate… may distance themselves from a third party… if (a) the Candidate… must demonstrate to the C.R.O. that the third party acted without consent… and (b) steps have been taken to distance themselves…"
• Bylaw 320, Section 11(6): "Should a Candidate… demonstrate the conditions specified under Section 11(5) to the C.R.O.’s satisfaction, the Candidate… would not be subject to punitive fines…"
• Bylaw 320, Section 17(1): "Where a Candidate… has contravened a bylaw… and that contravention has provided an unfair advantage… the C.R.O. shall assign a penalty that (a) fully counter-balances any advantage gained; (b) where intentional, penalizes the Candidate…"

Findings

On March 21, 2025, Aamir Mohamed, former ESS President and candidate for UASU Council/GFC, filed a complaint alleging Michael Chang and the ESS violated election rules during the 2025/26 UASU Council/GFC election campaign. The CRO, with DROs Amaan Khan and Chisom Amah, reviewed Aamir’s complaint, ESS meeting minutes from March 13 and March 18, Michael’s response (received March 21, 7:00 PM MST), and Charlotte Andrist’s statement.

• Complaint Details:

1. Misuse of Influence: Aamir alleges Michael Chang, ESS Co-VP Social and incoming President-Elect, used his influence to prompt ESS to release a statement about Aamir’s resignation and investigation on March 18, 2025, at 9:22 PM MST via EnggLink email and Instagram, less than 12 hours before voting opened on March 19 at 9:00 AM, violating Bylaw 320, Section 11(1) and Part B, Page 19.
2. Failure to Distance: Aamir claims Michael did not distance himself from ESS’s actions (Bylaw 320, Section 11(5)), gaining an unfair advantage (Section 11(6)), as evidenced by ESS Board discussions on March 13 and March 18, 2025.

• Evidence:
  • Aamir cited ESS actions but provided no direct evidence of Michael’s consent, relying on ESS minutes and public releases (EnggLink email, Instagram post with 333 likes, 516 shares by March 19, 6:20 PM). He stated a March 12 ESS meeting raised issues leading to an emergency meeting on March 13, where he resigned at 9:30 PM, accepted at 9:45 PM.
  • March 13 ESS minutes, ratified March 14 per Charlotte Andrist, confirm Aamir’s resignation after an in-camera impeachment discussion for misconduct. The Board noted election impact concerns but advised caution.
  • Michael submitted March 18 ESS minutes, showing he was present at 7:10 PM but abstained from voting on the statement release. Charlotte Andrist, ESS Chair, stated to the CRO that the March 13 minutes were public by March 14, and any leak to The Gateway (March 17 article) did not add advantage beyond public knowledge.
• Allegation #1 – Misuse of Influence:
  • Context: ESS discussed Aamir’s resignation on March 13, with Michael present, noting potential election impact but urging restraint. A Gateway article on March 17 publicized Aamir’s resignation and investigation. On March 18 at 7:10 PM, ESS voted to release the statement; Michael abstained. The release occurred at 9:22 PM via EnggLink and Instagram.
  • Findings: No evidence shows Michael directed ESS to release the statement. March 13 minutes reflect caution, not intent, and Michael’s abstention on March 18 distances him from the decision. ESS’s release, 11 hours before voting, followed public disclosure (March 14 minutes, March 17 Gateway article); its timing is an SRA action outside CRO jurisdiction. No violation of Bylaw 320, Section 11(1) or Part B, Page 19 by Michael is substantiated.
• Allegation #2 – Failure to Distance:
  • Context: Aamir alleges Michael’s ESS roles imply consent, violating Bylaw 320, Section 11(5), and provided an unfair advantage (Section 11(6)). Michael claims he distanced himself by abstaining on March 18. Charlotte Andrist asserts that no added advantage accrued after the March 14 public minutes.
  • Findings: Michael’s abstention on March 18 demonstrates steps to distance himself from ESS’s actions, satisfying Bylaw 320, Section 11(5)(a) and (b). No evidence shows he consented to or influenced the release beyond speculation. ESS’s mailing list use, while impactful, followed public knowledge and is not attributable to Michael. No unfair advantage under Section 11(6) is proven to be greater than what was already public by March 14.
• Jurisdiction: The CRO has no jurisdiction over ESS operations, including its mailing list or social media use, and therefore limits its review to Michael’s conduct under UASU election rules. ESS actions post-Aamir’s resignation and Gateway’s article are SRA matters.

Ruling

The Elections Office finds no actionable violations by Michael Chang within its jurisdiction, dismissing Aamir Mohamed’s complaint:

• Allegation #1 – Misuse of Influence: No violation. No evidence shows Michael Chang used his ESS position to direct the March 18 statement release, violating Bylaw 320, Section 11(1) or Part B, Page 19. ESS discussions on March 13 reflect caution, and Michael abstained on March 18. ESS operations are outside CRO jurisdiction.
• Allegation #2 – Failure to Distance: No violation. Michael Chang distanced himself from ESS’s March 18 actions by abstaining, satisfying Bylaw 320, Section 11(5). No unfair advantage under Section 11(6) is proven beyond public knowledge by March 14, as per Charlotte Andrist’s statement. ESS’s statement release is an SRA action not attributable to Michael. The preliminary election results for the Council/GFC race do not alter this assessment absent evidence of Michael’s direct influence.

Penalty

• No penalty is assessed against Michael Chang. The CRO has no jurisdiction over ESS and its operations. Allegation #1 lacks evidence of Michael’s influence, and Allegation #2 is unsupported by a failure to distance or a proven advantage, as per Bylaw 320, Section 17(1). Current findings stand as of the election period.
• The UASU Council may consider amending bylaws to require candidates to take a leave of absence from SRA positions to prevent such perceptions in future elections.

Appeal

Rulings of the CRO may be appealed to the DIE Board by current undergraduate students using the DIE Board Application Form, which is available from the Elections Office at elections@uasu.ca. This ruling was posted at 12:05 AM MST on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, and the deadline for appeal is 12:05 PM MST on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, providing 12 hours from release, as directed, to ensure timely review post-Council/GFC election voting (March 19–20, 2025).

There are typically three elections throughout the year:

October: Fall By-Election

• Election to fill vacancies on:
  • UASU Students' Council
    • The highest governing body of the Students' Union. This council has ultimate decision-making authority over all aspects of the organization.
  • General Faculties Council
    • The academic legislative body of the University of Alberta. This council deals with all academic matters and student affairs issues (as set out in the Alberta Post-Secondary Learning Act). It is the highest level at which academic decisions are made, and is chaired by the President of the University of Alberta.

Early March: Students' Union Executive Committee/Undergraduate Board of Governors Representative Election

• Election to fill the positions:
  • UASU Executive Committee
    • President: Acts as the primary spokesperson for the Students’ Union.
    • VP Academic: Advocates for students' interests within the University community and beyond.
    • VP External: Responsible for Students' Union government and community relations.
    • VP Operations and Finance: Responsible for managing the UASU's $14 million budget.
    • VP Student Life: Responsible for university-related non-academic issues
  • Undergraduate Board of Governors Representative
    • Acts as a voice for the undergraduate student body on the University of Alberta Board of Governors, the ultimate decision making authority of the university.
    • Plebiscite and/or Referenda questions, if any, occur during this election.

Late March: Students' Council (SC)/General Faculties Council (GFC) Elections

• Election of councillors from the various faculties to either Students' Council or the General Faculties Council.

As a candidate, make sure you’re following all of the rules regarding campaigning, your budget, complaints, appeals, etc. written in the following bylaws:

• Bylaw Article III: Elections
• Bylaw 140 - Student Judiciary

• Candidate Bio + Photo Form
• Complaint Form
• Expense Report Form or download a PDF

If you are looking to fill a vacancy after an election, consider the vacancy petition process. Vacancy petitions will remain open until February 13th at 6:00 PM for the 2024/2025 year.