University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point (UWSP) - 2011

A. The Election Committee shall be charged with establishing and maintaining an Election Policy Manual to be included with all applications. This manual shall comprehensively outline all election policies, procedures, and prohibited activities. Upon completion of Election Policy Manual, it will go before Senate for approval before the end of the first semester.

B. Applications for Senator, President, and Vice President shall open on the first day of classes after the winter break. The final deadline for applications shall be the Friday of the fifth full week of classes of the Spring Semester. Campaigning shall begin when applications are available with the exception of all posters and signage. Posters and signage shall commence after the application deadline has passed.

C. Public debate will be held between all candidates for President and Vice President the week prior to the election date.

D. Elections shall be held for one week, beginning on the Friday of the seventh full week of classes, and ending the Thursday of the eighth full week of classes of the Spring Semester.  If Spring Break interferes with this schedule, all attempts shall be made by the Elections Committee to hold an election before Spring Break, for a one week period, ending on Thursday. 

E. Ballots shall be electronically tallied by 4:00 p.m. of the Thursday of election week by the outside source of Information Technology.

F. Election results shall be announced by the chair of the election committee at the Senate meeting Thursday of election week.

G. Election Rules

1. The SGA office shall remain non-partisan throughout the campaign period. Remaining non-partisan includes prohibiting candidates, SGA Senators, and SGA Executive Staff members from utilizing any office resources for campaign purposes.

2. SGA Senators and Executive Staff members shall remain non-partisan at the weekly Senate meetings, SGA committee meetings, and while in the SGA office so as to provide an atmosphere of mutual respect and honorable decorum.

3 SGA Senators and Executive Staff members shall not lend their SGA title or affiliation to publicly endorse or discredit those running for SGA office.

4. The members of the Election Committee shall not participate in any aspects of the election with the exception of their outlined duties of running the election and casting a ballot.

5. SGA Senators and Executive Staff members may assist n the campaign process of the candidates on their own time provided that they are not in violation of the above guidelines.

H. The Election Committee shall assess any individual in violation of the Election Rules.

1. The Election Committee shall consider only formal, written complaints.

2. The Election Committee shall inform the accused party of the complaint immediately following the submission of the complaint.

3. The accused party as well as the complainant shall be allowed to testify before the Election Committee in regards to the complaint.

4. Both parties shall be informed of the ruling of the Election Committee immediately following their decision.

5. An appeal can be taken to the Senate for a decision by a majority vote.  This must be within ten (10) academic days of the decision of the Election Committee.