This page outlines key rules and regulations for De Montfort Students' Union (DSU) Elections, to be read alongside the Elections chapter of DSU's Bye-Laws and the Articles of Association.

DSU is run by students for students, with annual elections for student leaders through online ballots. Elections are a key event, and we provide the necessary materials to ensure fair, vibrant, and impactful campaigns for all students and candidates.

These regulations specify what is allowed during the Election period and apply to all candidates and campaign team members. Adherence is essential for a fair, democratic, and transparent process. Breaches of these rules may result in sanctions, including disqualification.

In every DSU Election, two key officials oversee its fair running:

Returning Officer
The Returning Officer is responsible for calling and overseeing all Union Elections. Independent from the Union, they enforce the relevant Bye-Laws and regulations. The current Returning Officer is Peter Robertson, NUS Charity Director.

Deputy Returning Officer
The Deputy Returning Officer manages the day-to-day operations of the Elections, with delegated authority to enforce the Bye-Laws and issue rulings. The current Deputy Returning Officer is Amy Horner, Head of Membership Services (De Montfort Students' Union).

In Term 1 of 2024/25, DSU will hold the following elections: Society and Sport Club By-Elections, CEM Faculty Lead Representative By-Election, Liberation Officer By-Elections, and Course Rep Elections. The key dates are:

• Nominations Period: Monday 7th October - Monday 21st October
• Voting Period: Saturday 26th October - Wednesday 30th October
• Results Announced: Friday 1st November (subject to delay in the instance of investigations or ties)

The complaints deadline for Term 1 elections is 11:59pm on Wednesday 30th October.

In Term 2, we will be holding our main round of the Student Leadership Elections. This encompasses all DSU student leadership roles, both voluntary and paid, for the following academic year. This includes (but is not limited to); Society and Sport Committee Members, Faculty Lead Reps, Liberation Officers, and Executive Officers. The specific dates for Term 2 dates will be announced before January 2025.

These expected behaviours ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections. The Deputy Returning Officer will determine if a candidate has violated these principles and the appropriate response.

• Respect for students: Candidates should not coerce or unfairly influence students to vote.
• Respect for other candidates: Candidates must treat each other respectfully and not interfere with others' campaign activities.
• Respect for the environment: Candidates should not damage buildings or structures on DMU campuses.
• Respect for study spaces: No campaigning, canvassing, or vote solicitation is allowed in libraries or designated study areas.
• Respect for DSU and DMU staff: Inappropriate behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Respect of the democratic process: Candidates should not do anything that brings the fairness of the Elections into dispute, and campaigns should be open, honest and transparent.

Budget will not be provided for Society and Sport Club Committee, Course Rep, NUS Delegate, or By-Election candidates unless deemed necessary by the Deputy Returning Officer.

A budget will be provided for Executive Officer and Liberation Officer candidates in the Term 2 Student Leadership Elections. The campaign budget will be explained to these candidates each year for purchasing relevant campaign items.

Candidates must not exceed the allocated budget in respect of inclusivity across the election. By providing a campaign budget and limit, we ensure that all students, regardless of their financial situation, have an equal opportunity to run an effective campaign. All candidates must submit valid itemised VAT receipts for reimbursement.

The Pre-Election Period begins when nominations close, and prohibits new announcements that may influence the Elections.

The Pre-Election Period applies only to Executive and Liberation Officer candidates. During this time, they may attend public events but cannot promote their candidacy, including at Varsity events, conferences, or other mass gatherings. Candidates must consult the Deputy Returning Officer for clarification on any roles or events they participate in.

Communications encouraging voting will not reference any candidates, including current Officers. DSU and DMU must remain neutral and cannot influence the Elections.

The following rules are not exhaustive, and candidates must stay updated on any changes or interpretations from the Deputy Returning Officer via DSU's website, emails, or other communication.

Campaigning Period
Campaigning periods are only applicable to the Term 2 Student Leadership Elections. Posters and publicity cannot be shared online or in-person before campaigning begins.
Derogatory remarks about other candidates, staff, or students are prohibited. Stickers cannot be used on buildings, and posters can only be displayed on DSU-approved boards. Defacing others' campaign materials is forbidden and may lead to withdrawal from the election.

Campaign Teams
Candidates can have campaign teams but are responsible for ensuring their team members understand the regulations. Any breach by a team member will result in the candidate being investigated, with possible sanctions, including withdrawal from the election. All team members must be current DSU student members. Candidates must submit their campaign team members and P-Numbers to voice@dmu.ac.uk before campaigning starts.

Solicit or Coerce Votes
Using shared devices to cast votes is prohibited. Election officials will monitor IP addresses to prevent this. Candidates and their teams cannot handle students' devices to vote. Any breaches may result in withdrawal from the election.

Election Materials
Campaign materials must not slander individuals or organisations or bring DSU into disrepute. All materials must be declared to the Deputy Returning Officer via the Voice team. Manifestos will be presented uniformly on the DSU website. Posters cannot be displayed without prior approval.

Hustings
Candidates can discuss their objectives in debates but cannot make derogatory or personal remarks about other candidates, staff, or students.

Mailing Lists and Social Media
Candidates cannot use DSU, DMU, or third-party mailing lists or social media groups that hold student data.

Endorsement
Student groups may endorse candidates but cannot deny other candidates access to their platform. Candidates cannot campaign in closed student group spaces, whether online or in-person.
Current full-time elected Officers may not endorse any candidate.

Student Council and Scrutiny Panel
No candidate may use DSU’s democratic meetings for campaigning.

Campaign Budget
Candidates must not exceed their campaign allowance and must submit receipts for all expenses. Failure to do so may result in disqualification or delay the election results.

If a candidate is found to have violated any regulations or the Elections Bye-Law, the Deputy Returning Officer or Returning Officer may:

• Issue a verbal or written warning
• Impose a fine on the campaign budget
• Limit the candidate’s publicity
• Disqualify the candidate
• Take any other appropriate action

Complaints will only be investigated if submitted in writing to voice@dmu.ac.uk; verbal complaints will not be accepted.

The Deputy Returning Officer will aim to respond to complaints within 24 hours. They will investigate complaints and make rulings based on the nature of the issue.

If a candidate wishes to appeal the Deputy Returning Officer's decision, they must do so within 24 hours by responding to the outcome email and address the email to the Returning Officer. The independent Returning Officer's decision will be final.

Any complaints regarding election administration or candidate conduct must be submitted to the Deputy Returning Officer no later than 12 hours after voting closes.

Once the complaints deadline has passed, no further complaints about candidate conduct or election administration will be considered in relation to the Election.

The Deputy Returning Officer or Returning Officer may make additional decisions and rulings on the election as needed, prioritising the interests of the electorate.

All candidates are responsible for staying informed of any developments or changes by regularly checking this webpage and their inboxes for updates from the Elections staff.