Running for an election is one of the ways to get involved in USG.

The Elections Code 2025-2026 outlines the rules and procedures for all USG elections and referenda. Here, candidates can learn about ballot, ticket, and petition procedures, campaign spending limits, the election timeline, debate procedures, and prohibited campaign practices.

The Elections Commissioner is responsible for administering USG elections. This year, Boris Miller (USG-StudentElection@uiowa.edu) serves as the Elections Commissioner. Boris will ensure that the USG elections are administered fairly, and will be a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to run. If you are interested in running for student government, you must attend a candidate interest meeting. The candidate interest meeting dates are listed in the timeline below. Please reach out with any questions through email. 

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in elections, please contact Boris Miller in advance. If you require a paper petition, deadlines will be extended to be due the following morning at 8 AM. 

Campaign Violations

Violations procedures are outlined in the USG Elections code and will result in demerits. If you believe a violation has happened, please submit it for our review.

Complaint violations are determined by the Elections Committee Board (ECB) by the Student Election Commissioner, the Assistant Student Elections Commissioner, and the Chief Justice. Any party to a complaint can file an appeal. Appeals must be filed within 24 hours of the ECB decision. Appeals must be in writing and no longer than 500 words. Verbal appeals will not be accepted. All appeals are sent to the Student Judicial Court. Submit an appeal here. 

Election Timeline 2025

EventDate(s)
Candidate Interest MeetingsJan. 31 (Big Ten Theater), Feb. 3 (Academics Room), Feb 5 (Academics Room); Senate 6-7pm and Exec 7-8pm 
Petition DeadlineFeb. 17th at 5pm
Campaign Season BeginsFeb. 28th 
Campaign Season EndsMarch 28th 
Executive DebateMar. 30th 2:00 – 3:30 pm (Iowa Theater)
Voting PeriodMar. 31st – Apr. 2nd
Certification of ResultsApril 3rd 
Election AnnouncementApril 4th

Dates may be subject to change due to special circumstances and will be appropriately updated through the website, emails, and social media.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in elections, please contact Boris Miller in advance. If you require a paper petition, deadlines will be extended to be due the following morning at 8 AM. 

What kind of tickets can run for USG?

Contains the text "1. President and Vice President - Two people run on an "Executive Ticket" and create a campaign together"

President and Vice President

Two people run on an "Executive Ticket" and create a campaign together.

2. Senator Ticket - Up to twenty people create a campaign together

Senator Ticket

Up to 20 people create a campaign together.

Contains the text "3. Independent Senator - Run independently- At least seven seats must be filled by independent senators"

Independent Senator

Run independently. at least 7 seats must be filled by independent senators.

Who runs the elections?

boris miller photo

Boris Miller

Student Elections Commissioner

The SEC oversees the conduct, certification, and announcement of results for undergraduate student referenda and USG-authorized elections, in line with respective bylaws. They handle infractions of election rules, reviews contested ballots (with further appeals directed to the SJC), and develops rules to ensure fair, equitable, and accessible elections, including support for independent candidates. The SEC also maintains and annually updates an Election Code to guide the election process.

hannah casey photo

Hannah Casey

Assistant SEC of Elections Logistics

The Assistant SEC of Elections Logistics is responsible for booking rooms for all elections-related meetings and events, coordinating with the USG Director of External, and handling technical setup and support for SEC events, including elections announcements.

Vacant

Assistant SEC of Campaign and Voter Education

The Assistant SEC of Campaign and Voter Education manages tabling sign-ups and coordinates logistics with the IMU Events Services team. They create and edit presentations for Candidate Interest and Approved Candidate Meetings, secure a moderator for the Executive Debate, and send relevant campaign emails to candidates on applicable issues.

Questions? Reach out to the SECs!