USG elections give students the opportunity to run for office and represent the undergraduate student body. Students interested in running are encouraged to review the information below and check back for updates throughout the election cycle.
The elections process includes a number of steps, deadlines, and requirements. The Student Elections Commissioners (SECs) are available to answer questions, clarify the Elections Code, and support students throughout the process.
Victoria Johnson
Nathan Sharar
Ava Adamson
Interested in running in a USG election?
The steps below provide a simplified overview of how to run in a USG election. This summary is not a substitute for the Elections Code, which candidates should review in full before running.
Confirm your eligibility
Candidates must be currently registered undergraduate students in good academic and non-academic standing with the University of Iowa. Eligibility is verified before candidates are placed on the ballot.
Attend a candidate interest meeting
All prospective candidates are required to attend one candidate interest meeting (dates can be found below) held during the spring semester. These meetings cover the Elections Code, election procedures, petition requirements, and other information necessary to run. If you are unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict, you must contact the SEC at least 24 hours prior to the final meeting.
Determine what position and ticket you will run on
Candidates may run as part of an executive ticket (President and Vice President), as part of a senatorial ticket (affiliation), or as an independent candidate. Candidates may only run for one position and may not run on more than one ticket.
Complete the official electronic petition
After attending a candidate interest meeting, candidates may begin completing the official electronic petition provided by the SEC. Petitions must include the required number of undergraduate student signatures and be submitted by the deadline listed in the election timeline.
Await petition validation and candidate approval
The SEC's, in coordination with the Office of the Dean of Students, will review and validate all petitions. Candidates will be notified via email of approval or denial prior to the start of the campaign period.
Review campaign rules and requirements
All candidates are responsible for understanding campaign rules outlined in the Elections Code, including spending limits, social media guidelines, accessibility requirements, and prohibited campaign practices.
Begin campaigning during the official campaign period
Campaigning may only take place during the designated campaign period listed on the elections calendar. Campaign materials and campaign social media accounts must comply with SEC approval and Elections Code requirements.
elections code
Election Timeline 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Candidate Interest Meeting | Jan. 30, (Big Ten Theater at IMU) Senate candidates (6 p.m.); Executive candidates (7 p.m.) |
| Candidate Interest Meeting | Feb. 1 (Homecoming Room at IMU) Senate candidates (6 p.m.); Executive candidates (7 p.m.) |
| Candidate Interest Meeting | Feb.4 (Iowa Theater at IMU) Senate candidates (6 p.m.); Executive candidates (7 p.m.) |
| Petition Deadline | Feb. 16 at 5pm |
| Campaign Season Begins | March 2 at 8am |
| Executive Debate | March 29 from 2-3:30pm |
| Voting Open | March 30 at 8am |
| Voting Closes | April 1 at 11:59pm |
| Election Announcement | April 3 |
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 the SEC's in advance. If you require a paper petition, deadlines will be extended to be due the following morning at 8 AM.