SE19 - Information for Candidates

This page contains information you will find useful as a candidate in the Summer Elections 2019. It is a useful resource during and after the elections and you're strongly encouraged to read before running. Everyone standing for a position will be required to indicate that they have read the rules of the election before being allowed to participate.  If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Team

On this page:

Candidates' Pack & Election Rules

Imperial College Union's elections are governed by rules that ensure fairness and accessibility while rewarding energy and enthusiasm. By nominating yourself for a role, you agree that you have read and understood all of the relevant rules and policies. 

Read the Candidates' Pack.

DRO Reports

The rules of the elections will be interpreted and enforced by a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO). The DRO will handle complaints and issue rulings on breaches and other matters according to the rules. 

Read the latest DRO Reports

Training & Support

Imperial College Union offers comprehensive training for elected representatives with tailored programmes for different positions. As our Wellbeing Representation Network will involve volunteers discussing sensitive issues such as stress and mental health, Wellbeing Representative Training is compulsory. Members of the Academic Representation Network will also be required to attend training, while CSP leaders receive tailored training through our year round Officer Academy. We will contact successful candidates with details of induction and or training sessions. We ask that all elected representatives attend training in order to understand Imperial College Union, meet fellow leaders, and learn how to be successful in their role.

As well as role-specific training, Imperial College Union also offers skills-based training, supporting our volunteers to develop skills such as public speaking, volunteer leadership, and time management. 

Nominations support 

The following training support is available to help you with your candidacy. 

Writing Successful Manifestos
This will help you prepare your manifesto with information on how to craft your platform, as well as tips on language and persuasion. 
View this on the Training Hub  

Inclusive Campaigning:
This course will equip you with the tools to craft a campaign that reaches as many of your peers as possible with tips to help you connect with the whole Imperial community.
View this on the Training Hub

Campaigning support 

All candidates are required to read the rules of the elections before standing for a position. Read the recent Candidate's Brief for Leadership Elections 2019 information on the complaints procedure and how are issued.
Read or download Candidates' Briefing presentation

Wellbeing Support

Elections can be stressful and if you're doing it right, you will invest a lot of time and emotion in your campaigns. Don't forget to look after yourself. Remember to take time out, eat, sleep and be kind to yourself. If you ever feel overwhelmed, talk to someone! Your Deputy President Welfare and the Advice Centre are always here to help. 

Wellbeing Contacts: 
Deputy President (Welfare) - Becky Neil: dpwelfare@imperial.ac.uk 
Advice Centre: advice@imperial.ac.uk

Spend Declaration

All candidates must submit their spend declaration to elections@imperial.ac.uk by 19:00 on Thursday 23 May. Here's a step-by-step guide to submitting it:

  • Download the Spend Declaration Template
  • Review the Spend Declaration Sample to see a completed version
  • Complete the Spend Declaration with your name, username, position, and expenditures
  • Add your sort code and account number if you are running for a full-time or Constituent Union President position
  • Gather all of your paper receipts and take photos
  • Gather screenshots or attachable files of all electronic receipts
  • Ensure all receipt files have your name and the item type included in the file name - for example 'John Doe - Badges.jpg'
  • Send one email to elections@imperial.ac.uk with the subject line '<Your Name> <Your Role> - Spend Declaration' - for example 'John Doe - GSU President - Spend Declaration'
  • If you are running for more than one position, please complete one declaration template for each position
  • If you have spent no money on your campaign, please simply send an email telling us your expenditure was zero.
  • Please predict spending that will take place on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, or can't be billed until afterwards
  • If receipts are not available, other evidence of cost will suffice
  • If you have any questions, please contact the Elections Team on elections@imperial.ac.uk

Publicity Banners 

All promotional material created by candidates - such as posters or websites - must include the publicity banner and hashtag, which saves you the task of adding basic information such as the voting period, hashtag and website.

Please align the hashtag to the top right of your poster.

Portrait Posters (click for example)

Full Colour

TLE17 - colour for portrait poster

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (black on white)

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (white on black)

Download image: JPG

Landscape Posters (see example)

Full Colour

TLE17 - colour for portrait poster

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (black on white)

Download image: JPG 

Monochrome (white on black)

Download image: JPG 

Tagline for posters 

To be added on the upper right hand side of your images. Download image: PNG

Complaints Form

Breaches of the campaign rules are taken very seriously to ensure the elections are fair. If you would like to make a complaint about the conduct of anyone involved in the Summer Elections 2019,  you will need to complete the online complaints form.