STUDENT SENATE ELECTIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR ARE HAPPENING NOW
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Click above to learn about the rules of elections and campaigning.
During voting week, stop by the Kirkhof Lobby on Monday night to meet the candidates whose names will appear on the ballot.
Vote for your favorite candidates beginning on Monday, March 27th at 8:00a.m.
Follow our Socials to Stay Up-to-Date on Elections and Voting Information!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many spots are available on the Senate?
There are 44 positions to be elected. Senators can be from any major and can be undergraduate or graduate students.
Aren't there 50 seats on Senate?
Yes. Six are reserved for students in their first semester at GVSU. They will be filled by an application and interview process administered by the Senate Resources Committee next year.
Do incumbents keep their seats?
No, all terms are one academic year. Current student senators may run for re-election.
When I vote, do I vote for President and Vice President?
No, the Student Senate Cabinet members (comprised of the President, Executive Vice President, and the seven Vice Presidents) are elected by the Student Senate body after the general elections of senators take place.
Do I have to serve on a committee?
Yes, all elected senators will serve on one of the six standing committees with the exception of the President and the Executive Vice President. Committee assignments are made by the Cabinet after senators express which committees they are interested in.
Is anyone going to see my platform statement?
Yes, your platform statement will be printed in the Lanthorn and will also be available on this website when Students go to vote.
How long should my platform be?
Platforms longer than 60 words are not accepted. Please keep your platform succinct and to the point. The Lanthorn advertisement will have limited room – so the shorter the better (platforms over 60 words will not be guaranteed to not be cut off).
Is all of the voting going to be done online?
Yes, voting for Student Senate elections will be open from Monday, March 27th at 8 a.m. to Sunday, April 2nd at 11:59 p.m. During this week, all GVSU students can vote once for up to 10 candidates of their choice.
Do students run as a Democrat or Republican or member of another party?
No. Student Senate elections are nonpartisan. We encourage students to look through the platforms of all candidates to find those that they support. All students can vote for up to 10 candidates.
If I am elected, when do I start? And how long is my term?
All elected student senators will be sworn in on Thursday, April 6th, at 4:30 p.m. The term of senators for the 2023-2024 academic year ends in April of 2024.