Shape Your University Experience: Get Involved in WUSA Elections
At WUSA, the heart of our mission lies in student representation and advocacy. Every year, a new team of dedicated student leaders, elected by you – the undergraduates of the University of Waterloo – takes the helm to voice your concerns and steer our collective journey.
The WUSA Elections, held annually during the Winter term, are not just a process – they’re a celebration of student democracy and empowerment. Here, aspiring leaders from our student body step forward, eager to make a difference. From key executive officer roles to pivotal governance positions on our Board of Directors, each role is crucial in shaping the policies, activities, and overall direction of WUSA.
Why Participate?
- Voice Your Opinions: Your vote determines who represents your interests and concerns.
- Drive Change: Elected leaders play a vital role in influencing university policies and student life.
- Build Community: Engaging in elections fosters a connected and proactive student body.
Considering a Leadership Role?
Are you passionate about student life, governance, and making a positive impact? Explore the various roles within WUSA’s governance structure. Visit our Board of Directors page to delve into the specifics of each position and understand how you can contribute to shaping a vibrant student community.
Got Questions?
We’re here to help. If you’re considering running for a position or just curious about the election process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your Chief Returning Officer (CRO) is available to answer any questions and guide you through the process. We haven’t covered everything on this page, so feel free to connect with us for more insights.
Be the Change You Wish to See
Your involvement in the WUSA Elections is a step towards a more dynamic and responsive student community. Whether as a candidate or a voter, your participation is vital. Join us in this journey of student leadership and governance – where your voice truly matters.
Important Dates
All times displayed local Waterloo, EST (GMT -5)
2024-2025 Board of Directors – Elections Results here
2025-2026 Election Dates:
- Nomination Period: December 16th-January 23rd
- All Candidates Meeting: January 23rd
- Campaign Week: January 26th-January 31st
- Voting Period: February 3rd-February 9th
- Unofficial Electoral Results: February 10th
Election Event
Visit vote.wusa.ca
Voting is easier than ever
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about upcoming elections, all in one place! Check out vote.wusa.ca for any active elections, candidate profiles, and virtual ballots.
Simply login using your WATIAM to get involved and make your voice heard!
Nomination Resources
Know a social advocate who would make an awesome leader? Or do YOU want to drive change that affects the lives of students at uWaterloo and across Canada?
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about nominations, all in one place! Have a look or share it with someone you think would be a great fit for the role! View the WUSA Nominations page for full details on how to make your mark.
Campaign Support
WUSA is here to offer you information, resources, and support to ensure you have the tools you need.
First things first, make sure you review the Elections & Referenda Procedures to learn about your budget*, rules for campaigning, allegations and appeals, and more.
*WUSA will cover the cost of running a campaign for WUSA Executive and Students’ Council candidates. Senate candidates can find budget information in Senate Bylaw 3 (see section 2.02c) opens an external site.
Below you can find all the Campaign marketing resources you can use to get the word out to grow your base of voters:
https://sway.office.com/UCmJ0brGcl1J7n3s?ref=Link
Candidate Elections Logo:
Download Full Colour | Download White Version
Make sure this logo is used on your campaign posters, we also encourage you to use it on any other printed campaign materials.
Don’t forget to submit your candidate profile on vote.wusa.ca to ensure you’re featured on our site and included in any print materials.
While there is no deadline to submit this information, remember that these pages are being promoted from the start of campaign period right until the end. It can take up to three business days for your information to be uploaded to the site. In order to guarantee your information is included in any WUSA print materials be sure to submit before the date stated at the All Candidates Meeting.
Allegations & Appeals
An Allegation is an accusation made that a candidate or referendum campaign committee has done something wrong during the Election period, and is the main mechanism in place to ensure the adherence of procedure and subsequently, the fairness of the election. Allegations remain assertions until they can be proved. Allegation forms exist to streamline the volume of allegations that come in and to help prevent duplicate reports of the same incident. The subject of the allegation can be a candidate, a team, or a referendum campaign committee.
Candidates are disqualified if they reach 11 points – check out point values in Elections & Referenda Procedures in the WUSA library.
Appeals are requests from the alleged to change to the Elections and Referenda Officer’s (ERO) official decision on an allegation. The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) hears all appeals and should include any new information that has come forward. Further appeals beyond this point against the CRO’s decision would go to the Elections and Referenda Committee (ERC).
The CRO or ERC (depending on the appeal) may do any of the following:
1. Uphold the original decision
2. Alter the penalty of the original decision, within the limits of this procedure
3. Refer the ERO or CRO, as the case may be, to review a decision in light of new information or with consideration to a specific section of this procedure
4. Overturn the decision and present an alternate ruling, thereby eliminating the decision’s penalties so received
All rulings rendered by the ERC with respect to a further appeal of a decision made by a CRO shall be final.
If you’re unsure whether or not a violation has occurred, you’re encouraged to report it to the ERO and who will then figure out if it is a violation of procedure or not.