Elections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Who is allowed to run for SUA positions and how did they qualify?

According to SUA Elections Code Section 6a the following requirements shall be established for any undergraduate student seeking candidacy for an elected position in SUA:

1. Must be a current undergraduate student at UCSC at the time their candidacy is requested and for the duration of their term of office.
2. Must hold a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 throughout their candidacy.
3. Must not be currently facing disciplinary consequences for a Student Conduct violation as articulated in §100 of the UCSC Student Handbook.

How do candidates seek endorsements?

In accordance with SUA Elections Code Seection 8c sandidates may begin reaching out for endorsements after becoming official candidates. Additionally:

1. If a candidate wishes to reach out to student organizations for endorsements they are required to;
   1. Notify the organization of all other candidates running for the same position. 
   2. Notify the SUA Elections Commissioner in the conversation to verify that you did reach out.
      1. The Elections Commissioner will record the response for evidence in case of a complaint.

Lastly: 

1. Endorsement forms are required to prove that an individual, group or party supports a particular candidate. 
   1. Filled out endorsement forms must be sent to the SUA Elections Commission before advertising said endorsement. (Elections Code Section 8b.xi.1.a)

The official endorsement form can be accessed here: elections/suaendorsementform2022.pdf

Can an organization sponsor and event or purchase materials using organization funds to support a candidate?

Yes, but there are stipulations. Candidate contributions must have an itemized receipt detailing the amount and must be no more than $20.00 from each entity (Elections Code Section 9c).

What happens if I know a candidate has violated the elections code?

Violations of the Elections Code should be brought to the elections commission by submitting a written email.

A complaint must include: the name, Student ID Number and contact information of the filer; the name of the person the complaint is filed against; the position the person is a candidate for (or the measure or Amendment they are the author of); time, date, and place of the alleged violation; specific citation of the governing documents which was violated; and any evidence or witnesses of the alleged violation. Persons who wish to submit a complaint anonymously must meet with the SUA Parliamentarian, in order to verify their identity prior to the presentation of this evidence and the authenticity of the evidence. Complaints may be filed against candidates, campaigns, or authors of measures or Constitutional Amendments. (Elections Code Section 10a.ii.3).