How do I run in the by election?
To nominate yourself for a position, you must complete all the following steps:

1. Ensure that you are eligible for the position you would like to run for.

   Learn more in our FAQ seciton!

2. Get 25 Candidate Signatures:

   Using the provided form, gather signatures of at least 25 other Dalhousie students who support your candidacy, and compile the following:

   • Names

   • B00’s

   • Dal email addresses

   Upload the results to the Nomination Form in the form of an Excel spreadsheet. To collect signatures physically contact dsucro@dal.ca for a template. 

3. Gather Campaign Workers
   (Campaign Workers are optional)
   Gather the following info from your campaign workers:

   • Name

   • B00

   • Dal email addresses

   Unsure what a campaign worker is? Learn more in our FAQ seciton!
   

4. Submit your Nomination:

   When nominations are open submit:

   1. Your completed spreadsheets (2-3 in total)

   2. your nomination information through the online Nomination Package. You will be asked for your:

      1. Name,

      2. pronouns,

      3. B00,

      4. Dal email address,

      5. program/major/year of study,

      6. confirmation that you have read Bylaw 9 and the Elections and Referenda Policy.

5. Attend the All Candidates Meeting and submit your candidate questionnaire.

   After you submit your nomination, you will also be required to attend the All Candidates Meeting and EDIA Training, submit a Candidate Questionnaire and, of course, campaign!
   
   Make sure to read the campaign rules document that will be given to you during the All-Candidates Meeting!

See the full Elections Period Schedule HERE! Find an overview of key dates below.

Important Dates:

• January 23, 2026 — 8:30am
  Nominations Registrations Open

• EXTENDED: Jan 30th — 8:30pm
  Nominations & Campaign Registrations Close (all completed forms due)

• January 30, 2026 — 11:59pm
  Deadline for Candidate Questionnaire

• February 2, 2026 — 8:30am
  Campaign Period Begins

• February 9, 2026 — 12:00pm
  Deadline for EDIA Training

• February 9, 2026 — 8:30pm
  Campaign Period Ends

• February 10, 2026 — 8:30am
  Voting Period Begins

• February 11, 2026 — 8:30pm
  Voting Period Ends

• February 12, 2026 — 8:30am
  Unofficial Results Announced

• February 14, 2026 — 11:59pm (if no appeals) / latest March 2
  Results Appeals Period Ends

• February 14, 2026 — 11:59pm (if no appeals) / latest March 2
  Election Results Made Official

Step 1:
Understand the Structure & Rules
Campaign rules can be found HERE!

Before anything else:

• Read the DSU Campaign Rules document & Elections Policy on the DSU website. It covers everything: nomination rules, spending limits, poster restrictions, online campaigning, etc.

• Meet the CRO (Chief Returning Officer).
  They can clarify what’s allowed (e.g., giveaways, social media ads, timing).

• Know the key dates: nomination period, campaign start date, debates, voting days.

Tip: Create a campaign timeline that fits within those deadlines.

Step 2:
Define Your Core Message

Your campaign should revolve around a simple, memorable message that connects emotionally with students.

Ask yourself:

• What your desired position can do for students

• Why are you running?

• How will students’ lives be better if you’re elected?

Boil it down to 1–2 clear promise, then develop supporting goals or actions.

Step 3:
Build your campaign brand
You don’t need to overdo it, but consistency helps people remember you.

Create:

• A short campaign name or slogan

• Visual identity: consistent color palette, & fonts

• Photos: bright, friendly headshot!

Step 4: Build a Team

Even small campaigns benefit from a few helpers:

• Campaign manager (organizes timeline, keeps you on track)

• Communications/social media person

• Outreach volunteers (help post, talk to students, and remind people to vote)

Step 5: Campaign Content & Outreach

Plan how you’ll communicate your message:

• Announce your candidacy + main goals

• Issue posts: each one focuses on a specific topic (affordability, accessibility, etc.)

• Stories/reels: short, authentic videos explaining why you care

• Peer engagement: visit society meetings, tables, and events; talk to students directly

• Q&A sessions: either online (Instagram Live) or informal pop-ups

Pro tip: Use your voice: students engage more with authentic video than text-heavy graphics.

Step 6: Drive Voter Turnout

• Share “How to Vote” posts with DSU voting link

• Ask friends, classmates, and societies to post endorsements

• Make day-of graphics for voting reminders

Step 7: Stay Grounded

• Be respectful of opponents; you might be working with them later.

• Expect fatigue; schedule breaks!

Optional: After the Campaign

If you win that’s amazing!
If not, still follow up. Post a thank-you message, and stay involved!

The relationships you build can help in future elections or advocacy work.

Do:

1. Submit Documents on time!
   Not submitting important documents by their deadlines will likely result in the revocation of your candidacy!

2. Get all your required signatures.

   Failing to meet your signature quota will cause your nomination to be denied.

3. Attend all required training

   It’s important for your candidacy to complete all required training, and attend appropriate meetings. Failing to do so can result in fines, or revocation of candidacy.

4. Treat other candidates respectfully

   Any form or forms of discrimination and/or harassment will not be tolerated, nor will hate speech rooted in, but not limited to, sexist, racist, classist, ableist, homophobic or transphobic sentiments and/or remarks.

Don’t:

1. Second guess your qualifications!

   If you meet the eligibility requirements for a position and are thinking of running, go for it. You’ll learn along the way!

2. Overspend

   Candidates have access to funds for their election campaign, but can also incur fines during the election period that must be paid. Make sure to spend wisely, as you only have so much!

3. Misunderstand the Position

   Ensure that you understand what position you’re running for, and what its roles are.

   Tailor your campaign to these roles in order to reach the appropriate audience!

______________________________

Common Elections Mistakes:

• Not reading the Campaign rules

  It’s important to know what is and is not allowed during an election. The DSU has rules regarding where and when you can campaign!

• Errors in your Nomination Forms

  Having errors, or mistakes in your nomination forms can lead to disqualification in some cases, or even just a lack of information on your campaign being accessible to voters. Always double check your work before submitting, and ensure that you submit all required forms!

• Not understanding the difference between a Nominee and a Candidate

  When you nominate yourself, your nomination must be approved before you officially become a candidate. If you’re missing certain forms, your nomination may not be accepted and you will not show up on the ballot.

  Keep in contact with the CRO!

• President: The President is the chief spokesperson for the student union. They sit on the Dalhousie Board of Governors and Senate. The President also oversees all day-to-day operations of the Union and regularly represents students to government officials and senior administrators at the university.

• Vice President, Internal: The VPI is the main liaison between the Union and all student union societies. They assist societies in coordinating their activities and oversee Union communications–including official correspondence and the student union website. They also chair several committees, including the Student Accessibility Fund and Society Review Committee.

• Vice President, Academic and External: The VPAE is responsible for the student union’s advocacy and campaigns on academic and student issues, including tuition fees, student debt, academic integrity, and equity issues. They sit on the Dalhousie Senate and represent students on various university committees and through municipal, provincial, and federal lobby efforts. The VPAE is also a member of DSU Council and chairs the External Committee, as well as the union’s Senate Caucus.

• Board of Governor Rep 1

Community Representatives are members of DSU Council who brings forward the ideas, concerns, and viewpoints of students within their respective communities.

There are seven (7) Community Representatives, with one representative from each of the following Communities:

• Black students

• International students

• 2SLGBTQIA+ students

• Disabled students;

• Students living in residence

• Women students

Faculty Representatives are members of DSU Council who brings forward the ideas, concerns, and viewpoints of students within their respective faculty departments.

There are twelve Faculty Representatives, with one representative from each of the following faculties:

• Faculty of Agriculture

• Faculty of Architecture and Planning

• Faculty of Arts and Social Science

• Faculty of Computer Science

• Faculty of Dentistry

• Faculty of Graduate Studies

• Faculty of Health

• Faculty of Management

• Faculty of Science

Executive Postion Eligibility:

• All students are eligible to run for an executive position, as long as they are a Dalhousie student for the duration of their term.

  General Election: May-April

  By-Election: October - April

  For more information, see Bylaw 4.2

Community Representative Eligibility:

• Council includes a representative for many key communities of Dalhousie students. Eligibility is based on self-identification with a specific community.

  Where membership in a community is through self-identification, theDSU honours a candidate's self-identification and does not request proof of their identity. 

Faculty Representative Eligibility:

• Coming soon

Read through the “ Becoming a Candidate” dropdown at the top of our page, or download the PDF version HERE!

Still have questions, or feeling unsure?
Reach out the the CRO dsucro@dal.ca who is in charge of this year’s election!

See the full Elections Period Schedule HERE! Find an overview of key dates below.

Important Dates:

• January 23, 2026 — 8:30am
  Nominations Registrations Open

• EXTENDED: Jan 30th 2026 — 8:30pm
  Nominations & Campaign Registrations Close (all completed forms due)

• January 30, 2026 — 11:59pm
  Deadline for Candidate Questionnaire

• February 2, 2026 — 8:30am
  Campaign Period Begins

• February 9, 2026 — 12:00pm
  Deadline for EDIA Training

• February 9, 2026 — 8:30pm
  Campaign Period Ends

• EXTENDED: Voting Period
  February 13, 2026 — 8:30am
  Voting Period Ends

• February 12, 2026 — 8:30am
  Unofficial Results Announced

• February 14, 2026 — 11:59pm (if no appeals) / latest March 2
  Results Appeals Period Ends

• February 14, 2026 — 11:59pm (if no appeals) / latest March 2
  Election Results Made Official

Executive Position:

• Executive Officers are expected to devote the time and attention to the role as may be required to carry out their responsibilities and meet the objectives of the Union, as outlined in DSU bylaws and policies.

• They are expected to set and maintain regular office hours to be accessible to Members and Union staff. These are full-time, paid positions. See Bylaw 5, the Executive Policy, and section 14 of the Financial Policy for more information.

Faculty & Community Rep Positions:

• Community & Faculty reps are required to attend the appropriate committee meetings they sit on,

• They are required to attend council meetings (monthly in summer term & bi-weekly during fall and winter term)

For more specific information on roles refer to duties under DSU By-laws!

A campaign worker is an individual who has agreed to assist a candidate with campaigning in any capacity. If you are worried about running a campaign all on your own, you do not have to! All you need to do is ask someone if they would be willing to help with your campaign and then submit a list of campaign workers alongside your nomination form. You could have one, a few, or a whole team of campaign workers!

A campaign worker does not have to be a Dalhousie student, meaning you could ask a student from another institution or someone who is not a student. However, Dalhousie faculty, teaching assistants, and all other University staff must not serve as campaign workers. If a campaign worker is employed by the DSU in any capacity they must contact the CRO and inform them of their work. Furthermore, they must not campaign while they are working. Have questions about who can or cannot be a campaign worker? Email dsucro@dal.ca.

Campaign workers must abide by the Elections and Referenda Policy and attend the All-Candidates Meeting.

Contact the Chief Returning Officer, Reid Delaney, with any questions about the elections process.

dsucro@dal.ca