Iowa Crest

 

Elections Code 

University of Iowa Student Government

Last Updated: 2023 

 

Table of Contents: 

I. Authority and Duties of the Student Elections Commissioner 

II. Definitions 

III. Ballot, Ticket, and Petition Procedures 

IV. Debates 

V. Campaign Spending 

VI. Election Timeline 

VII. Voting 

VIII. Accessibility 

IX. Prohibited Campaign Practices 

X. Violations Procedures 

XI. Election Certification 

XII. Amendments to the Election Code

 

 

I. Authority and Duties of the Student Elections Commissioner 

  1. The Student Elections Commissioner (hereafter “the SEC”) and the Assistant Student Elections Commissioner (hereafter “the Assistant SEC”) derives its authority from the University of Iowa Student Government (hereafter “USG”) Constitution, the USG Bylaws, and the Student Judicial Court Bylaws. 

  1. The SEC and Assistant SEC has the authority to amend the Election Code 

  1. The SEC and Assistant SEC are responsible for overseeing the election process in accordance with the rules established in the Election Code.  

    1. The SEC and Assistant SEC have original jurisdiction over enforcing all rules, hearing all infractions, and answering all questions arising out of election procedure. 

    2. The SEC and Assistant SEC will hear all cases of election irregularities, discrepancies, and violations of election rules. 

      1. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall review complaint filings, notify parties of filings and decision, schedule hearings, and post filings on the elections’ website. 

      2. The SEC and Assistant SEC must approve any penalty issued by the Election Complaint Board. 

    3. The SEC and Assistant SEC will enforce all rules regarding campaign materials. 

    4. The SEC and Assistant SEC will create and implement the election calendar, host Candidate Interest Meetings, plan candidate debates, maintain the elections website, post ballot information, and certify election results. 

    5. Should a candidate ask the SEC or Assistant SEC for clarification on the Election Code that is relevant to all candidates, the SEC or Assistant SEC will share the answer to all candidates. 

 

II. Definitions 

  1. Candidate shall be defined as any currently registered University of Iowa student whose completed petition has been certified by the SEC and Assistant SEC in consultation with the Office of the Registrar. 

  1. Executive ticket shall be defined as any two candidates running as one for the positions of President and Vice President. 

  1. Senatorial affiliation shall be defined as a collective of at least two and up to 20 senatorial candidates working together as one entity. 

  1. Independent shall be defined as a Senator elected at-large with no ticket affiliation. 

  1. Campaigning shall be defined as any of the following:      

    1. An act done by a candidate and/or their adherents to obtain a majority or plurality of the votes cast.     

    2. The promotion of candidacy for office done in such a way that is meant to secure definite support from the voting population.    

  2. Ticket formation occurs prior to the candidacy announcement and shall be defined as informal, exploratory meetings of potential running mates to discuss platform creation and campaign operations.  

    1. This also includes speaking to potential constituents about the constituent’s priorities and concerns.    

  3. Candidacy announcement shall be defined as the formal declaration of running for an elected USG position.  

    1. This includes the disclosure of the campaign’s identifying information and/or platform.    

  4. Adherent shall be defined as a person who—with the consent of the ticket—works for, provides services for, volunteers for, or donates in-kind donations to a candidate or party. An adherent is more than a mere voter or supporter. 

  5. Instant run-off voting is a voting method used when more than two candidates or tickets run in an election. Voters rank the candidates or tickets in order of preference. In the first round of voting, each voter’s top choice is counted, with the candidate or ticket receiving the fewest votes being eliminated. The votes for the eliminated candidate or ticket are redistributed in subsequent rounds of voting until one candidate or ticket has achieved a 50% plus one majority of votes. (Used for Executive Elections). 

  1. In-Kind donation shall be defined as donations of materials, services, etc. that otherwise would have been purchased. In-kind donations must be accounted for at their fair market value.    

  1. Personal correspondence shall be defined as any form of person-to-person communication, not copied in mass or with excessive communication, and not in violation of rules set forth in the University of Iowa Student Election code. 

  1. Frivolous complaint shall be defined as one that fails to meet the following requirements: 

    1. Standing: Complainant must be a student, faculty member, or staff member.  

    2. Timing: Complaints must be filed within 24 hours of the violation.  

    3. Identification of party: the specific respondent (candidate or ticket) must be identified. 

    4. Alleged violation: Complaint must identify what violation of the election rules allegedly occurred.   

  2. Ticket liaison shall be defined as a single candidate on a ticket designated to be the point of contact between the ticket and SEC and Assistant SEC. 

    1. The selection of a ticket liaison is the responsibility of the ticket members. 

 

III. Ballot, Ticket, and Petition Procedures 

  1. The SEC and Assistant SEC must provide public notification of all deadlines and procedures regarding the ballot, ticket, and petition procedures. 

  1. All interested candidates must attend all mandatory meetings as determined by the SEC and Assistant SEC before the start of the campaign. These meetings will cover the code, procedures for election, and all other information deemed necessary for candidates during the electoral process.  

  1. Ballot Procedure 

    1. Candidate placement on the ballot is randomized by the online voting system. 

    2. Names will appear on the ballot as listed on the petition, along with the name of the ticket associated with the candidate. 

      1. These names will be verified at the approved candidate meeting. 

    3. All candidates must be in and maintain good academic and non-academic standing with the university. The university will verify all candidates’ standing before the candidates are officially placed on the ballot.  

  2. Tickets 

    1. Candidates for the executive ticket must run as an entity consisting of the positions of President and Vice President. 

    2. Candidates for non-constituency senatorial positions may run on an affiliation consisting of no less than two and no more than twenty non-constituency senators. 

    3. Candidates may only run on one ticket and may not simultaneously run for more than one position in USG 

    4. Ticket names: 

      1. Will not reference any current national political party. 

      2. May include the word "party". 

      3. Must be approved by the SEC and Assistant SEC prior to the approved candidate meeting. 

      4. Shall be introduced to the SEC and Assistant SEC at the approved candidate meeting. 

    5. An individual senatorial candidate may change ticket affiliation up until the day that petitions must be turned in with the written consent from the liaison of the ticket the candidate is joining. 

    6. An individual senatorial candidate running with a ticket may become an independent up until the day that petitions must be turned in with written confirmation of notice from the liaison of the ticket the candidate is leaving. 

    7. A senatorial candidate running as an independent may join a ticket up until the day that the petitions must be turned in with written consent from the ticket liaison. 

    8. If a vacancy occurs in one of the two positions in an executive ticket, an approved senatorial candidate may fill the vacant position through the end of the approved candidate meeting with written notice delivered to the SEC and the Assistant SEC.   

    9. Extenuating circumstances in affiliation changes will be determined at the discretion of the SEC, Assistant SEC, and/or USG Advisor.  

  3. Petition Procedure 

    1. Only the official petitions distributed by the SEC and Assistant SEC will be accepted for verification.   

      1. The SEC and Assistant SEC will make the petition available no later than the date of the first formal candidate interest meeting. 

      2. The SEC and Assistant SEC will provide an electronic version of the petition  

        1. An electronic version of the petition will be supplied, such petitions will be filled out in accordance with safety regulations set forth by the University and local authority. 

        2. The exact procedure for turning in an electronic petition will be demonstrated at the candidate interest meetings. 

        3. The requirements for an electronic petition will be  

          1. A student's electronic signature will equate to a physical signature. 

          2. All required student information  will appear on an electronic petition. 

        4. Physical petitions will be accepted for accommodations at the discretion of the SEC and Assistant SEC. 

          1. If accommodations are necessary, the SEC and the Assistant SEC must be notified by the end of the last candidate interest meeting. 

    2. The executive ticket’s petition shall be accompanied by no fewer than 200 undergraduate student names, signatures, and the complete student ID numbers.    

      1. There must be 200 student signatures. Any less and the ticket will not be placed on the ballot. 

        1. In the event no ticket reaches the 200 signatories, all tickets will be docked 1 demerit for every person below the 200 person threshold. 

        2. No more than 30 of the petitioners may be active USG members. 

      2. Only currently registered undergraduate University of Iowa students may sign the petition. 

    3. The senatorial petition for each individual senatorial candidate shall be accompanied by no fewer than 75 undergraduate student names, signatures, and the complete student ID numbers from the undergraduate body.    

      1. There must be 75 valid student signatures. Any less and the candidate will not be placed on the ballot.    

      2. No more than 12 of the petitioners may be active USG members. 

      3. Only currently registered undergraduate University of Iowa students may sign the petition. 

    4. The petitioning candidate's name must be declared on the electronic petition or each page of a physical petition if an accommodation is made.    

    5. All electronic petitions must be emailed to the SEC and the Assistant SEC by midnight of the day petitions are due as dictated by the election’s timeline. 

    6. All physical candidate petitions shall be turned in as one complete packet to the Office of the Dean of Students (IMU 135) when petitions are due, as dictated by the election's timeline. 

      1. Physical petitions must be turned in by 8am the day after electronic petitions are due. 

    7. The SEC and Assistant SEC, in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Students, will validate all petitions before the candidates are officially placed on the ballot. 

      1. Candidates with invalid petitions will be notified by the SEC and Assistant SEC 

      2. Appeals must be filed in writing within 24 hours of notification from SEC and Assistant SEC and submitted by email to the SEC and Assistant SEC. 

      3. SEC and Assistant SEC must respond to all appeals of an invalid petition within 24 hours. 

      4. The SEC and Assistant SEC will officially announce all approved candidates and tickets. 

    8. Undergraduate Student Government Cabinet members, including Speaker and Speaker Pro Tempore, cannot serve concurrently as Resident Assistants for the academic year. 

 

IV. Debates 

  1. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall organize all official debates for the USG elections. 

    1. At least one official USG Presidential ticket debate must be conducted.  If only one Executive Ticket is running, the SEC shall conduct a Presidential and Vice-Presidential forum in place of a debate. 

    2. The Assistant SEC and/or a designee will moderate the debate or lead the town hall. 

    3. The debates will be conducted with fairness, candor, and decorum and supported by facts and arguments founded in reason.     

    4. Organizations not affiliated with USG or SEC may hold unofficial debates.    

  2. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall prepare questions for the official USG forums or debates. 

    1. All current undergraduate students may submit debate questions to the SEC and the Assistant SEC via email for consideration until 24 hours prior to the debate.     

  3. The location, format, date and time of the debates, as determined by the SEC and the Assistant SEC, will be made public at least one week prior to the debate. 

 

V. Campaign Spending 

  1. All senatorial tickets will have a budget of $100 per member to the limit of $2,000, including In-Kind donations. 

    1. Senatorial ticket budgets will be based on the number of candidates on a ticket at the end of the approved candidate meeting. 

  2. Any senator running as an independent may spend up to $150 on their campaign, including In-Kind donations.   

  3. The maximum campaign spending limit for an executive ticket is $600, including In-Kind donations. 

  1. Candidates are required to keep track of all expenditures.  

    1. A campaign finance record will be available to candidates online on the elections website at a location designated by the SEC and Assistant SEC and all expenditures must be recorded on the financial record. 

    2. The financial record and all campaign receipts are due to the SEC at the conclusion of the voting period or within 24 hours of a request from the SEC.  

    3. Donations of materials or donations of professional services by a source not running on the ticket must have their value reported to the SEC and Assistant SEC on the campaign financial record as an In-Kind donation. 

    4. All materials and/or professional services, whether donated or purchased, must be declared at their present fair market value. 

    5. Personal discounts are not acceptable unless available to the general public (for example, store coupons and student discounts are permissible). 

    6. A candidate is allowed to accept a discount for materials and/or services rendered, but if the discount is not available to all candidates running, it must be recorded at its fair market value. 

    7. Promotions obtained through partnerships with businesses during the campaign period are allowed only if the general public can benefit from or take part in any resulting discounts or other promotions. 

    8. Previously owned material used for campaigning with a present fair market value of over $10 must be declared whether sought or offered. 

    9. Some materials do not require reporting in the campaign financial record, including widely owned consumer-grade items such as tables, speakers, and personally owned electronic devices. 

    10. Exceptions and clarifications shall be made at the discretion of the SEC and Assistant SEC. 

  2. Candidates and tickets may not contact representatives from businesses or organizations until their petitions have been verified by the SEC and Assistant SEC. 

 

VI. Election Timeline 

  1. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall release the official election calendar for the current election year before the first day of the spring semester.    

  1. The candidate interest meetings shall be held by the SEC during the spring semester. 

    1. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall provide the first public notification of the first candidate interest meeting at least two weeks before the first candidate interest meeting.    

  2. Petitions will be available beginning on the date of the first candidate interest meeting, at which time candidates may begin to complete petitions. 

  3. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall hold a second candidate interest meeting no more than two weeks after the first candidate interest meeting.     

    1. Candidates who attended the first candidate interest meeting are not required to attend the later candidate interest meetings. 

    2. All candidates are required to attend one of the candidate interest meetings. 

      1. If candidates are unavailable to attend any candidate interest meetings due to scheduling conflicts, they must contact both the SEC and the Assistant SEC. 

        1. This must be done prior to the beginning of the meetings. 

  4. Electronic petitions must be submitted no later than ten days after the second candidate interest meeting. 

    1. Physical petitions must be submitted to the CSIL office no later than ten days after the second candidate interest meeting. 

  5. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall notify candidates of petition validation prior to the beginning of the campaign period via email. 

  6. The designated campaign period will commence the Sunday immediately following the ninth week of classes at 8:00 PM Central Time. 

  1. Election voting shall begin the Monday before the second Thursday of the end of the campaign period.   

  1. The election shall conclude on the second Wednesday at 11:59 pm after the commencement of the campaign period.    

  1. Election results shall be announced upon the completion of complaint processes, financial report verifications, and vote certification. 

 

VII. Voting 

  1. Online polling will be the only available forum for voting in student body elections.     

  1. Voters shall not be required to submit a vote for every open position, branch, or referendum on the ballot in order to cast a vote.    

  1. The tabulation of votes will be carried out by the SEC and Assistant SEC. 

    1. The presidential election will be conducted using instant run-off voting. 

    2. Senatorial elections will be conducted using single count vote.  

    3. The final results will be certified and announced by the SEC and Assistant SEC. 

  2. The seven independent candidates with the highest number of votes will win the reserved independent seats. The highest vote-receiving independent candidates must receive a threshold of 5% of the total votes cast in the election to secure their seats in the Student Senate.

    1. If less than 7 independent senators are elected, the resulting vacant seats will be filled by the Internal Affairs Committee in the following fall.   

  3. After the process in VII.D, the 30 senators with the highest number of votes who both reached a threshold of 5% of the votes cast in the election and did not already receive an independent seat will win seats in the Student Senate, regardless of affiliation.     

    1. If fewer than 30 total senators are elected, the resulting vacant seats will be filled by the Internal Affairs Committee in the following fall. 

 

VIII. Accessibility 

  1. IT Accessibility Policy    

    1. Provide additional descriptive text (alternate, or “ALT” text) for all images, and especially those that convey information.    

    2. Captions must be provided for all videos that include speaking.  

    3. Candidates may use the University of Iowa IT Accessibility Policy, found at (https://itaccessibility.uiowa.edu/home), as a resource to achieve accessibility goals. 

  2. Physically accessible locations for events    

    1. There must be a good faith effort to hold campaign events in locations that are physically accessible to persons using wheelchairs and similar medical equipment. 

  3. Accessibility statement    

    1. All events shared online and posted in flyers must be posted and shared with the University of Iowa accessibility statement, which can be found below. The contact listed in the statement must assume responsibility for requested accommodations and deliver on those requested accommodations.    

    2.  "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 this program, please contact (insert: the sponsoring department or contact person) in advance at (insert: telephone number and email address)."  

 

IX. Prohibited Campaign Practices 

  1. Any violation of the USG Election Code will result in a sanction of demerits depending on the violation and severity. One demerit will result in the reduction of total votes for responsible candidate(s) by 1%. The Elections Complaints Board (hereafter "ECB") will determine who is responsible.    

    1. The ECB reserves the right to administer a sanction of zero demerits to serve as a warning to the responsible candidate(s).    

  2. The following practices by tickets candidates, and adherents are prohibited. The sanctions for each infraction are outlined along with each offense. 

    1. Early Campaigning: 10 ± 10 Demerits 

      1. Disclosure of campaign information such as ticket names, slogans, formalized platforms, and campaign events prior to the kick-off event. 

        1. Personal correspondence between Senatorial affiliation members and potential affiliation members does constitute early campaigning. This includes discussion of potential platforms, ticket and candidate names, slogans, logos, etc. 

          1. This rule only applies up until the first candidate interest meeting.

          2. This rule does not apply for potential executive tickets, who may ask or confer with potential running mates only. This excludes potential cabinet positions. 

      2. Public distribution of campaign materials through any physical or digital form before SEC approval. 

        1. Clothing, hats, or other apparel must be acquired from the approved list of sustainable vendors and submitted to the SEC for verification. 

    2. Violations on Campaign Materials: 10 ± 10 Demerits 

      1. Unauthorized posting of physical and online campaign materials. 

      2. Destruction of campaign materials. 

      3. Creation of unauthorized websites. 

      4. Campaigning in the USG Office (Suite 260B IMU) 

      5. Failure to remove campaign materials, including electronic campaign material but excluding past social media posts, one day after the campaign period unless under the regulation of Cambus, University Housing, or any other academic/non-academic buildings and spaces. 

    3. Failure to Comply with Accessibility Requirements: 10 ± 10 Demerits 

    4. Unauthorized Endorsements: 5 ± 5 Demerits 

      1. Individual candidates may not endorse tickets. 

      2. Tickets may not endorse individual candidates on behalf of the ticket. 

      3. Individual candidates may endorse other individual candidates.

      4. Campaigns may not receive private business endorsements from an establishment designated a bar by the Iowa City zoning code. 

    5. Use of USG and affiliate LISTSERVs: 5 ± 5 Demerits 

      1. Campaign material cannot use the Tiger Hawk, Hawkeye logo, USG logo, or any trademarked/licensed image without all necessary licensing and copyright approval. 

      2. Campaign material cannot include endorsements unless an endorsement form has been submitted. 

      3. The necessary authority must approve of the use of any University property. 

    6. Failure to Adhere to University Policies in Campaigning Practices: 5 ± 5 Demerits 

      1. Candidates are required to adhere to policies and guidelines set forth by the following parties when applicable: 

        1. University Housing & Dining 

        2. Cambus 

        3. Iowa Memorial Union 

        4. Other academic/non-academic buildings and spaces 

    7. Failure to Adhere to Guidelines Regarding Student Organizations: 5 ± 3 Demerits 

      1. To claim support from a student organization, candidates must submit to the SEC via email a completed Student Organization Support Form signed by a principle representative of that Student Organization. 

      2. If a student organization wishes to express support of a candidate to their membership, they are expressly permitted to do so without SEC approval. 

    8. Overspending of Campaign Funds: 15 ± 10 Demerits 

    9. Bribery: 12± 10 Demerits 

      1. Giving or receiving money in exchange for votes for or against any candidate is prohibited. 

      2. Promising a position in exchange for votes for or against any candidate is prohibited. 

    10. Falsification of Campaign Documents: 25 ± 5 Demerits 

    11. Harmful or Malicious Behavior: 15 ± 15 Demerits 

      1. It is disallowed to ruin another candidate's campaign with ill-intentioned and hurtful actions reasonably considered outside the scope of necessary campaign procedure. 

    12. Harassment: 25 ± 5 Demerits 

      1. Harassment, as defined in the Student Code of Conduct, against candidates, parties, adherents, or eligible voters is strictly prohibited. 

    13. Election Day Procedure Violations: 10 ± 10 Demerits 

      1. It is not allowed to engage in voter coercion, which includes but is not limited to: 

        1. Interfering or attempting to interfere with a voter when marking the ballot. 

        2. Inducing voters to disclose who they voted for. 

      2. It is not allowed to forcibly solicit votes, which includes handing an individual an electronic device with the explicit intent of getting them to vote. 

      3. It is not allowed to participate in voter intimidation. 

      4. It is not allowed to vote on behalf of another individual. 

    14. Fraud: 15 ± 15 Demerits 

      1. It is expressly prohibited for a candidate, individual, or ticket to engage in actions that intentionally influence the result of the election to not reflect the votes cast by the student body. 

      2. This infraction is not subject to the constraints of X.A.6 but cannot be the subject of a complaint after the election's results are announced. 

    15. Excessive Frivolous Complaints: 0 or 1 Demerits 

      1. It is prohibited for a ticket, candidate, or individual to repeatedly make frivolous complaints with intent to waste the time and resources of the complaints process. 

  3. Accumulation of 30 demerits shall result in disqualification. 

  4. It is the duty of the candidates to ensure that their campaign complies with the rules herein. 

 

X. Violations Procedures 

  1. Complaints 

    1. Any student, faculty, or staff member may file a complaint. 

    2. Complaint forms will be available on the election website. 

    3. Complaints must be typed and submitted to the SEC and Assistant SEC via the complaint form. Verbal and handwritten complaints will not be accepted. 

    4. Complaints must contain the following, lest they be deemed frivolous: 

      1. Name of candidate, ticket, and/or individual alleged to have committed the violation. 

      2. Brief description of the alleged violation, including date and time of the incident, reference to the relevant provision(s) of the election code, USG constitution or bylaws, or other provisions prescribing guidelines for elections. 

      3. Complainant's name if so desired. If the complainant wishes to be named in the complaint it will be seen by the SEC and Assistant SEC. If appealed, the complaint’s name will also be seen by the rest of the Student Judicial Court. 

        1. Any evidence of the alleged violation. 

      4. Complaints filed more than 7 days after the alleged violation can be deemed frivolous at the SEC's discretion. 

    5. Complaints may be submitted before and throughout the campaign period, but no complaints will be accepted after 6:00 PM Central Time the day following the final day of voting. 

    6. The SEC and Assistant SEC will review the complaint and determine if the complaint is frivolous or if it will move forward. 

      1. The complainant may appeal a frivolous complaint decision to the Elections Appeals Board. 

      2. If the SEC and Assistant SEC determine that the complaint is frivolous, they must submit a written explanation of their decision to the complainant. 

    7. If the SEC and Assistant SEC determine that the complaint is not frivolous, the SEC will immediately provide a copy of the complaint and any attached evidence to the respondent. The respondent will have 24 hours to submit a written response and any supporting evidence to the SEC and Assistant SEC.      

    8. If the respondent denies the allegations in the complaint, the SEC and Assistant SEC shall set a hearing in front of the Election Complaint Board. The hearing shall take place within 48 hours of the Respondent’s response. When notifying the parties to the complaint of the hearing, the SEC and Assistant SEC will provide materials to educate them on the process and how to prepare for the hearing. 

  2. Election Complaint Board (ECB) Hearing   

    1. The Election Complaint Board will consist of the Chief Justice, the SEC, and the Assistant SEC.   

      1. The Chief Justice serves as a tiebreaker between the SEC and the Assistant SEC. 

    2. A party will be deemed absent if they are not present for the hearing within ten minutes of the designated start time. 

    3. If a complainant wishes to remain anonymous, the SEC and Assistant SEC will provide the complaint and attached supporting evidence to the ECB but will provide no additional evidence.      

    4. If a named complainant is not present for the hearing, the complaint will be dismissed. If the respondent is not present for the hearing, the respondent will be held responsible and the ECB will consider penalties. 

    5. The hearings are not public. The following people can be present: SEC, ECB, and each party to the complaint and their witnesses. Each party shall be represented by no more than four people, excluding witnesses.  

    6. The SEC and Assistant SEC shall record the hearings. An audio recording is sufficient.     

    7. Each side of the complaint will have 15 minutes to present their case. The complainant will present their case first. The SEC will keep track of each side’s time.      

    8. The burden of proof is on the complainant. The complainant must prove their case by clear and convincing evidence.      

    9. The ECB must submit its written decision within 24 hours of the hearing. The ECB shall consider but is not bound by precedent. The decision must include the reasons for its decision and the total vote count. The written decision will designate any sanctions—these sanctions must be approved by the SEC. 

    10. The SEC shall post the ECB decision on the Election website upon receipt.      

  3. Appeals 

    1. Any party to a complaint can file an appeal.    

    2. Appeals must be filed within 24 hours of the ECB decision.    

    3. Appeal forms will be made available on the election website.      

    4. Appeals must be in writing and no longer than 500 words. Verbal appeals will not be accepted.     

    5. Grounds for appeal are limited to:     

      1. Clear error,    

      2. Blatant abuse of discretion, and/or    

      3. Personal bias.     

    6. Upon receipt of an appeal, the SEC shall notify the appellee immediately. Appellee shall have 24 hours to submit its response via e-mail to the SEC. The response is limited to 500 words.   

    7. The SEC will provide the ECB hearing recording, all evidence from the ECB hearing evidence, the ECB decision, appeal form, and appellee response to the Election Appeals Board (EAB) for its consideration. No new evidence will be considered.      

      1. The Election Appeals Board consists of the entirety of the Student Judicial Council. 

    8. The EAB shall issue its ruling within 24 hours of receipt of the information provided by the SEC and Assistant SEC.  

      1. The ruling must include the reasons for the decision and how each member voted.     

      2. If an appeal does not meet any of the aforementioned grounds it may be dismissed. 

      3. If the EAB determines that the appeal does not meet the established grounds, they must submit a written explanation of their decision to the SEC to send to the appealing party.    

    9. A reversal on the merits or lessening of the penalty of the case need not be unanimous.

    10. If the SEC and Assistant SEC find a complaint frivolous, the complainant may appeal to the EAB. Appeals must be filed within 24 hours of the SEC decision. Appeals must be submitted in the same manner as a complaint. Appeals are limited to 500 words. The EAB will review the complaint, the reasoning provided by the SEC as to declaring the complaint frivolous, the appeal, and issue its decision within 24 hours of receipt. This decision will be returned to the appellant and will include the total vote count. The EAB can either affirm the finding of frivolous or return the complaint to the SEC and Assistant SEC for furtherance to the ECB so that they may inform the respondent and proceed on the merits.     

  4. The penalties considered by the ECB and EAB are those outlined in IX.B. 

 

XI. Election Certification 

  1. Election results will be certified by the SEC and Assistant SEC following the review of each ticket’s campaign finance reports, completion of any violation hearings including appeals, and satisfaction of any penalties.    

  1. Candidates will be notified of results in a timely fashion by the SEC and Assistant SEC.    

  1. All results shall be published on the Elections website within 24 hours of being announced. 

 

XII. Amendments to the Election Code 

  1. The SEC and the Assistant SEC will inform the Senate of all amendments to the Elections Code within the month of October prior to the election.  

  1. Article IV section 4 of the USG Constitution gives the SEC jurisdiction over all USG elections and referenda, including development of rules and procedures to ensure fair, equitable, and accessible elections.