On Sept. 24, the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union opened nominations for the Fall 2018 by-election. The by-election is intended to fill 11 vacant seats on student council as well as the position of USSU president.

The by-election was slated to occur after the union’s regular election in March as there was a high number of vacant student council seats after the voting closed. On Sept. 4, then USSU President Coden Nikbakht departed the union, thus creating a vacancy on the USSU executive. Brent Kobes, vice-president operations and finances, has since been acting as interim president.

On Oct. 2, USSU General Manager Caroline Cottrell will chair mandatory orientation meetings in the Roy Romanow Student Council Chamber in Place Riel for students interested in running for student council or for the executive position. The meetings will occur at 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.

Students who intend to run in the election, whether for the vacant executive position or the student councils seats, are required to have their nomination forms submitted by Oct. 9 at 4:00 p.m. There is a $100.00 refundable deposit for those vying for the presidential position.

From Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, the general manager designate will verify the academic standing of the nominees.

Nominees can begin campaigning at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 15. In past years, campaigning has included postering and various forms of social media advertising. The USSU website states that all campaign materials must be taken down by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 18.

Voting for the by-election begins at 9:00 a.m. on Oct. 17 and ends at 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 18. Election results will be announced in Place Riel as well as on the USSU website once the votes are counted. Additionally, any formal complaints against students running for office must be submitted to the USSU office by the same time.

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Tanner Bayne / News Editor