Students' Union Elections
The Students' Union elections are a legal requirement that ensures our organisation is member led by you, the students. They are hosted annually in Semester 2, to elect student representatives for the following academic year (e.g. July 1st 2026 - June 30th 2027). If necessary, a By-Election is held to fill any remaining vacant positions.
Elections are a key part of our democratic process that elects the officers that will lead the Union in working for, and representing, student interests on campus and beyond. There are Sabbatical Officer (full-time, paid) and Student Officer (part-time, voluntary) positions available each election.
Notice of Officer Elections – Could YOU lead the Students’ Union next year?
Nominations for Winchester Students’ Union Officer Elections open on Monday 26th January 2026 – could you lead the Students’ Union next year and represent students’ views to the University and beyond? Roles available include full-time paid Sabbatical Officer jobs (circa £26,111 salary) and part-time Student Officers (voluntary leadership roles undertaken alongside your studies).
Click this link to register your interest, and we’ll contact you with more information about Elections 2026! https://winchesterstudentunion.typeform.com/to/MkIJdLyg
Please find below the timetable for Winchester Students’ Union Officer Elections 2026/27:
- Nominations open: Monday 26th January 2026, 9am
- ‘Thinking of Nominating Yourself?’ elections information drop-ins:
- Tuesday 20th January 2026 - 11am-3pm in the Vault, King Alfred Centre (Refreshers Fayre stand)
- Others to be confirmed, Jan-Feb 2026
- Nominations close: Wednesday 18th February 2026, 12pm
- Candidate Development Weeks: w/c 23rd February 2026 + w/c 2nd March 2026
- Campaigning begins: Monday 9th March 2026, 9am
- Candidate Q&A: Monday 9th March 2026, 6pm
- Voting opens: Monday 9th March 2026, 9pm
- Voting closes: Friday 13th March 2026, 3pm
- Results: Friday 13th March 2026, 9pm
The Process
Our elections happen early in Semester 2 (typically January-March time), and go through a series of stages:
- Nominations: During the nominations period, you can put yourself forward to be a candidate for one of the positions open in the upcoming (by)election. We often host ‘Thinking About Nominating Yourself’ Sessions (see below), where you can speak to current officers about their role, and ask any questions you have. You can also get involved by anonymously nominating someone you think would be great for one of the roles – this kind of a boost has often launched past successful candidates to put themselves forward!
- Development: Once nominated, our candidates will have time to work on putting their campaigns together. The Union provides lots of support during this time, including specific training around core campaign skills, including manifesto writing, building your brand, and engaging students.
- Campaigning: Campaigning and voting take place over a single week, and is a chance for candidates to get out and speak to students. You’ll also see a number of Union pop-ups during the week to highlight opportunities for students to vote – which may even include one of our cute and cuddly Democracy Dogs. Our elections use a Single Transferable Vote system (STV).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can be an elected Officer at the Students' Union?
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What do elected Officers do?
- How can I nominate myself?
- What is STV?
Who can be an elected Officer at the Students' Union?
Anybody who is a currently registered student of the University of Winchester, and has not elected to ‘opt-out’ of the Students’ Union, are eligible to nominate yourself to become an elected officer. Registered students covers full-time & part-time undergraduates and post-graduates, students on foundation degrees, distance learners, and full-time visiting and exchange students. Elected officers currently in office may also be eligible to nominate themselves for election.
For Sabbatical Officers, your eligibility will also depend on being able to work full-time hours during your term of office, and being legally entitled to work in the UK.
For Student Officers, you must remain a registered student throughout the term of office for which you are being elected.
What do elected Officers do?
Part-time (voluntary) Student Officers are responsible for: promoting and defending the rights of members, campaigning on issues affecting members, and the implementation of Students' Union policy.
Full-time (paid, circa £26,119 p/a salary) Sabbatical Officers (who are also Officer Trustees adn Directors) have a wider remit, including the above, and undertake their work representing students and leading the Student Union as a full-time job.
To find out more about these positions, please read the Job Packs below:
Sabbatical Officer - Sabbatical Officer Role Pack 2026
Student Officer - Student Officer Role Pack 2026
How can I nominate myself?
The nomination process in this election is undertaken online via this website - full details on how to nominate yourself will be made available close to elections time!
What is Single Transferable Vote (STV)?
Our elections are undertaken using a single transferable vote (STV) system. This means that you can vote for your first preference, and then your second preference, and so on. For a fun tutorial video (produced by our colleagues at Lincoln Student Union) on the transferable vote method, please see here.
If you have any further questions about elections, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via suelections@winchester.ac.uk
Elections myths answered
For more Frequently Asked Questions, and other election myths, check out our handy guide, here, where we de-mystify the elections process!
Why should I vote?
Our elections are held annually, giving you an opportunity to elect your new Executive Committee. These officers lead on the Students’ Union’s activity and represent students’ views and opinions for the coming academic year. Voting is important because you get your voice heard!
