Election Rules and Complaints

Candidate Rules

These rules should be considered as fundamental in ensuring the elections as free and fair.

1. Campaigners should not undertake campaigns activity which others could not also reasonably do.
2. Campaigners must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporter’s actions comply with the campaign rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of a complaint against them.
3. Campaigners may only alter, move or remove their own campaign materials.
4. Campaigners may only use mailing lists where lawful to do so. In most cases this will require the consent of the members on the list to use their details.
5. Campaigners must allow voters to cast their ballot freely and must not communicate with voters in any way once they have begun to complete their ballot.
6. Candidates must not campaign with Personal Devices and must not touch any electronic voting device and allow a vote to be cast in secret.
7. Candidates must not stand near polling stations or attempt to influence voters during the voting process.
8. Candidates must not spend over £50 of personal funds on campaigning materials/ items and must be able to prove this in the event of an investigation. 
9. Candidates will not be able to claim back funds from the Union for campaign materials. 
10. Candidates are responsible for there campaign team actions. 

These rules are in addition to general union and University/College rules and regulations.

Reporting Issues

How to Report Complaints 

1. Contact the DRO:
   Any concerns about other candidates' conduct or election-related matters must be reported to the Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) at su-elections@bbk.ac.uk.
2. Include Supporting Evidence:
   Complaints must include clear evidence to support your claims. This could be:
   • Screenshots of communications or posts.
   • Witness statements.
   • Other relevant documentation.
3. State the Rule Broken:
   Your complaint must specify which rule (from the election rules) you believe has been violated.
4. Submit Before the Deadline:
   Complaints must be submitted before voting ends. Any complaints received after the voting period will not be processed.

What Happens Next? 

The DRO will review your complaint and investigate the matter in line with the election rules. If further action is required, they will take appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

Maintaining fairness and transparency is a priority, and your cooperation helps ensure a positive election process for all.

What Happens if a Candidate breaks the rules?

Candidates who are found to have violated election rules may face one or more of the following consequences, depending on the severity of the breach:

• Warning: A formal notice to the candidate about their conduct.
• Restriction on Campaigning: Limits on campaign activities or the use of campaign materials.
• Disqualification: Removal from the election if the breach is deemed serious or intentional.
• Further Disciplinary Actions: Depending on the nature of the rule breach, further actions may be taken in line with university policies.

The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) will review all complaints and make decisions based on the evidence provided. Appeals to decisions can be made to the Returning Officer (NUS) however this must be done before election results have been announced.