Elections
At UAF, student representatives are elected each academic year to serve and advocate on behalf of the student body with the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (ASUAF). Elections are conducted annually during the spring semester. Elected officials serve a term of one year beginning the day after Commencement.
Elections have several parts, including the declaration/nomination period, the campaign period, and the election period. Any member of ASUAF in good academic standing is eligible to run for any position in the election. The President and Vice President run together as a single ticket. ASUAF elections are governed by the Elections Manual.
Elections play a vital role for the student body by ensuring representation, empowering student voices, promoting active involvement, fostering responsibility, nurturing leadership abilities, cultivating a sense of community, impacting decision-making, honing diverse skills, facilitating connections, and providing a structured avenue for driving positive change. The selection of all student government officials relies on these elections, and the outcomes are authenticated by our dedicated Elections Board.
Election Cycle
1. Nomination Period or Declaration of Candidacy
There will be a period during which those who want to run can secure the required number of nominations to appear on the ballot.
To appear on the ballot for a Senate seat requires a minimum of three nominations. To appear on the ballot for President or Vice President requires six nominations. A self-declaration counts as one nomination.
2. Campaigning
The campaign period follows the nomination period and lasts two weeks. This period is dedicated to those running to advertise themselves. Each Senate candidate has a spending limit of $50, and each President/Vice President ticket has a $100 limit for campaigning.
3. Voting
The election period lasts one week and marks the end of the election process. During this time, students will have access to voting through Nanook Engage. Votes will be counted, and the candidate/ticket receiving the majority will be declared the winner.
Election FAQs
The election ballot will be active during the voting period on ASUAF's profile on Nanook Engage. Students must be logged in to access the form.
Yes, depending on the stage of the elections process you can still get involved.
If elections are in the campaign or voting period, you can run as a write-in. Students considering running as a write-in are encouraged to reach out to the Elections Board chair, to be determined, for information regarding campaign regulations and eligibility. Write-in candidates must receive at least four (4) write-ins to to the given position to be considered valid and their name will not appear on the ballot or in advertisements.
If the elections period is closed and there is an open position you are interested it, contact the ASUAF President to discuss your eligibility and interest in being appointed to that position.
Yes! All students, regardless of type, are eligible to run for office as long as they meet eligibility requirements.
The $50 election stipend can be used to cover printing and equipment costs for items directly associated with your campaign. In order to utilize your stipend, submit rental and printing receipts/invoices to asuaf-senateclerk@alaksa.edu.