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The Student Representative Assembly (SRA), the governing body of the MSU, is composed of 35 undergraduate students elected by their peers, inside each academic faculty. Together, they work to provide the best possible MSU services and departments, represent and address the concerns of undergraduate students, and lobby the University to improve McMaster’s academic quality. The MSU exists to represent students and to help build a better community for the undergraduate community.
Please note: There will be a mandatory training session held on March 23, 2024 for the incoming SRA members, with the time and location to be determined.
Important Dates:
2nd extension timeline:
Nomination Period: now until March 11, 2024
All Candidates Meeting: March 11, 2024*
Votes of Confidence Election: March 14, 2024
Campaigning Period: March 12-21, 2024
Polling Dates: March 21, 2024
*In order to be eligible to run, it is mandatory to attend the All-Candidates meeting.
Extended Nominations timeline:
Votes of Confidence Election: March 7, 2024
Campaigning Period: March 5 – 14, 2024
Polling Dates: March 14, 2024
Original Timeline:
Proclamation: February 5, 2024
Nomination Period: February 5 – February 26, 2023
All Candidates Meeting: February 26, 2024*
Votes of Confidence Election: February 29, 2024
Campaigning Period: February 27 – March 7, 2024
Polling Dates: March 6 & 7, 2024
*In order to be eligible to run, it is mandatory to attend the All-Candidates meeting.
Important Documents:
Click here to access documents related to the SRA General Election.
The following academic division will be going to an election March 14, 2024:
Business
Joshua Pickering
Meital Sogaokar
Due to unforseen circumstances, the following academic divisions will go to a vote of confidence on March 8, 2024:
Engineering
Daniel Benaich
Kinesiology
Isabella Bolca
The following academic division will be going to an election March 6 & 7, 2024:
Health Sciences
Elizaveta Kirichek
Larissa Long
Matthew Olejarz
Kerry Yang
There will be a run-off Election for the last seat for Health Sciences on Tuesday, March 12 between the following candidates:
Matthew Olejarz
Kerry Yang
The following academic divisions went to a vote of confidence on February 29, 2024:
Arts & Science
Rushan Jeyakumar
Business
Liam Forbes
Justin Huschilt
Aisha Mahmoud
Engineering
Jialiang (Kevin) Hu
Erion Keka
Yaseen Khan
Zachary McKay
Benita Okosagah
Humanities
Rachel Black
Grace Chan
Olivia Dodd
Science
Jazzlyn Abbott
Parth Arora
Isaac Begun
Joseph Newman
Fares Qannam
Subah Rahman
Jana Shakfa
Social Sciences
Simon Batusic
Kashish Modi
Zimo Wang
Results:
Click here to view the most recent SRA General Election results
A referendum of the general membership of the MSU may be called on a question of policy or any other matter, that may be held and voted on during the October By-Election, MSU Presidential Election, or SRA General Elections. It may result in the adoption of a new policy or fee increase.
There are different ways for a referendum to be called:
- A petition signed by three percent (3%) of the MSU membership delivered to the Vice-President (Administration);
- A resolution of the General Assembly;
- Or a majority vote of the total members of the SRA shall initiate a referendum.
All referenda called once the above conditions are met shall be administered by the Elections Committee, as outlined in their policies and bylaws.
Once a referendum has been called, and nominations have opened, students are able to put campaign teams together to advocate for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ side of the referendum.
The minimum number of ballots in a referendum must be equal to ten percent (10%) of the membership of the MSU for the results of the referendum to be a binding resolution on the SRA.
2024 Referenda:
This year the MSU will be sending one question to referendum to be concurrent with the SRA General Elections:
Hamilton Bike Share – A petition was circulated to the student body asking if they would support a referendum to introduce a fee for a annual bike pass that would potentially cost students $24.50 including tax, with the option to opt-out. This proposal would give students 90 minutes of non-continuous daily access to any Hamilton Bike Share bikes. More information can be found below under ‘Referendum Sides’
Food Accessibility Initiative – The proposed Food Accessibility Initiative referendum was brought forward to the Student Representative Assembly at meeting SRA 23N – February 4, 2024. You can find the draft minutes from that meeting here, as well as the supporting documentation here.
You can find all the important dates and documentation below, starting on February 5, 2024. If you have questions about the procedures, please reach out to the Elections Department.
Important Dates:
Proclamation: February 5, 2024
Nomination Period: February 5 – February 26, 2023
All Candidates Meeting: February 26, 2024*
Campaigning Period: February 27 – March 7, 2024
Polling Dates: March 6 & 7, 2024
*In order to be eligible to run, it is mandatory to attend the All-Candidates meeting.
Referenda Sides:
Bike Share:
Yes side:
Instagram: Mac Bike Share
Info Page: Mac Bike Share
No side: A campaign team for the ‘no’ side wasn’t registered.
Food Accessibility Initiative:
No sides were registered.
Important Documents:
Click here to access documents related to the MSU Referenda Sides.
Results:
The Vice-President & Speaker elections will take place on April 6 & 7, 2024 inside Council Chambers, Gilmore Hall room 111. Nominations are open now. If you wish to be considered for any VP or Speaker role, please email speaker@msu.mcmaster.ca by 10am on April 6 to declare your nomination. Also, be prepared to present to the Student Representative Assembly on April 6 and/or 7. VPs and the Speaker are elected directly by the members of the SRA.
Any MSU member (an undergraduate student enrolled in 18 or more units) is eligible to run for these seats. Elections are typically held the first weekend in April. Nominations will be opened at the first meeting in March, and will remain open until the elections occur. The SRA has adopted parameters to govern how the election will be run, you can find that information here.
Together with the MSU President, the Vice-President’s (Administration), (Finance), and (Education) comprise the MSU Board of Directors (BoD). The BoD has vast responsibilities within the organization and to the undergraduate students of McMaster University. Together, this team of four individuals are employed full-time for a year-long term, governing the daily operations of the McMaster Students Union. The role of Vice President is a full-time contract position. The successful candidate will start on May 1 with their contract concluding on April 30.
The election process gives each candidate the opportunity to speak to their qualifications and ideas and then Assembly members will have the ability to question the nominees. To learn more about the specific responsibilities of the Vice-Presidents Bylaw 4 – Board of Directors & Speaker. The Speaker is paid part-time over the course of an academic year to manage the bi-weekly meetings of the Student Representative Assembly.
If you would like to reach out to the 2024-25 SRA members to discuss your platform, you can reach out to the Speaker by emailing speaker@msu.mcmaster.ca.
The MSU President is elected annually by the MSU membership as outlined by the procedures in the MSU Constitution and Bylaw 7. The elected candidate will hold office from May 1st to April 30th. The President may carry a course load of not more than three (3) units per academic term. This course load restriction may be waived by a two-thirds majority vote of the SRA.
The President is to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Spokesperson for the McMaster Students Union and be a voting member of the SRA, the Executive Board, and an ex-officio member of all other MSU committees. As well, the President will chair the Executive Board, Board of Directors and the Presidents’ Council. Furthermore, the President will represent the MSU to the University Administration, Hamilton community as well as local, provincial, and national governments and organizations.
Important Dates:
Proclamation: November 30, 2023
Nomination Period: November 30, 2023 – January 12, 2024
All Candidates Meeting: January 12, 2024*
Campaigning Period: January 14 – 25, 2024
Polling Dates: January 23-25, 2024
Meet the Candidates: January 17, 2024 – 6pm to 8pm @ The Grind
Presidential Debate: January 23, 2024 – 2pm to 4pm @ MUSC Atrium
The Results are in for your 2024 Presidential Election!
Jovan Popovic has won the 2024 MSU Presidential election and will serve as MSU President for the 2024-2025 academic year. Voter turnout for the election was 16.4%, which is a notable increase from the previous election. The President takes office on May 1 each year and serves a 12-month term. This is the first time since the early 1980’s that a sitting MSU President has successfully won re-election for the following year.
Please note, due to severe election rules violations, Jialiang (Kevin) Hu was disqualified. The Elections Committee has determined that the candidate has received 7 standard violations and 3 severe fines, accumulating a fines amount that exceeds half of the spending limit, leading to an automatic disqualification (Rule 7.12). Jialiang (Kevin) Hu has the ability to appeal their fines and their disqualification. The first appeal would be heard by the Elections Committee and a subsequent appeal (if necessary) would be heard by the Elections Appeal Board (EAB). Decisions of the EAB are final.
Update on Presidentials Election:
The Elections Committee had their appeals meeting to discuss Jialiang (Kevin) Hu’s appealed fines. The Committee has decided to overturn 2 severe violations (of rule 4.2 and rule 7.11.4 respectively). Due to this, Jialiang (Kevin) Hu has been reinstated as he no longer meets the threshold for automatic disqualification. The Elections Committee determined that the remaining 8 violations (1 severe, 7 standard) did not warrant disqualification. The results for the election have been re-run with the reinstated candidate.
Congratulations to Jovan Popovic for his re-election as MSU President!
Candidates:
All candidates were given the opportunity to submit information about themselves or their campaigns, along with social media information:
Muhammad Ammad Ahsan
Dear University peers, picture a Student Council vibrant with diversity. As President, my commitment is to mold campus life with the richness of unique perspectives. Vote for a future embracing all viewpoints propels us toward a more student-centered existence. Join me as each voice contributes to our collective success, shaping a thriving and diverse university experience. Together, we’ll cultivate an inclusive community where each voice contributes to our collective success.
Luca Bernadini
THE MSU APP IS HERE! Vote for Luca Bernardini and Operation Reframe to ensure that the revolutionary app gets carried out. The legacy I hope to leave will last years beyond my term by embracing innovation. McMaster students deserve a President who is committed to carrying out a vision that works to impact life on a daily basis. It’s time for a change, and I intend to be the one to make it.
Jialiang (Kevin) Hu
I want to put life back on campus through reinventing athletic events to be more entertaining, bring tasty, affordable food to the table, and showcasing cultural diversity on campus. With my experience working in MES & MSU governance, and countless hours of consultation meetings with university officials, I’m committed to bring this vision to life. Vote for Kevin, vote for student life.
Jovan Popovic
I’m Jovan Popovic, and I’m seeking re-election to continue as your MSU President. With a year of proven leadership, I’ve worked hard to enhance your student life, champion your rights, and bring our campus together. We’ve accomplished so much in the last year, and I’m committed to building on that progress. It’s your life, your education, your future… Vote for vision, results, and experience that delivers. Vote Pop.
Important Documents:
Click here to access documents related to the MSU Presidential election.
Results:
Click here to view the most recent Presidential election results.
MSU First Year Council (FYC) is the unique representative body for McMaster first year students that serves to inform and speak for their distinctive needs and concerns. The council represents both current and future first year McMaster students, and ensures that their issues and interests are addressed by acting as a voice, and as a guiding body.
First Year Council Positions:
Chair — The primary spokesperson, liaison and advocate for the MSU First Year Council. This person will maintain relationships with other student/university organizations and oversee all FYC meetings. This person is responsible for reporting on the First Year Council to the SRA.
Vice-Chair (Internal) — acts as spokesperson for the organization and liaison between the First Year Council and the Residence Advisory Council. This individual will act as a primary lead on advocacy related to the living conditions and the students experience of first year students living on McMaster campus.
Vice-Chair (External) — acts as spokesperson for the organization and liaison between the First Year Council and the Faculty Society first year representatives. This individual will act as a primary lead on advocacy related to issues with respect to academic and off campus student experiences perspectives.
Vice-Chair (Events) —acts as a spokesperson for the organization and is the primary planner for events planned by the council. This Vice-Chair (Events) will work with MSU Spark, the MSU Maroons, MSU Campus Events and Residence Life to raise first year spirit within the school and improve the student experience at McMaster University.
Residence Chairs — will act as advocates for students in residence at McMaster University. They will be elected among their peers within their residence and will serve on a variety of Residence Life consultation committees. Further, residence chairs will be responsible for collecting feedback on the perspective of students in residence and running events within their particular building.
There are 13 positions available; one representative for each residence on campus as follows:
- Bates Chair
- Brandon Chair
- Edwards Chair
- Hedden Chair
- Les Prince Chair
- Mary E. Keyes Chair
- Matthews Chair
- McKay Chair
- Moulton Chair
- Peter George Chair
- Wallingford Chair
- Whidden Chair
- Woodstock Chair
Off-Campus/Commuting Students – There will also be two (2) seats for off-campus/commuting students available to run for. They will act as advocates for students living off-campus at McMaster University. They will be elected among their peers.
Please reach out to Elections if you have any questions about the procedures. Find out more about First Year Council here and here
Important Dates:
Extended Nominations Timeline
Nomination Period: until September 25, 2023
All Candidates Meeting: September 25, 2023*
Campaigning Period: September 26 – October 5, 2023
Vote of Confidence Polling Date: September 28, 2023
Polling Date: October 5, 2023
Proclamation: September 5, 2023
Nomination Period: September 6 – 18, 2023
All Candidates Meeting: September 18, 2023*
Campaigning Period: September 19 – 28, 2023
Vote of Confidence Polling Date: September 21, 2023
Polling Date: September 27 & 28, 2023
*This meeting is mandatory.
Important Documents:
Click here to access documents related to the FYC election.
The Following are running for First Year Council, with polling happening on September 27 & 28, 2023 (those in bold will have a vote of confidence on September 21, 2023):
Brandon Residence Chair
Rohan Sunder Prabakaran Kalaiaras
Edwards Chair
Anh Nguyen
Mary Keyes Residence Chair
Harleen Kaur
Off-Campus Chair
Nabiha Bari
Wallingford Residence Chair
Jessica Ricafort
Chair
Adam Monfaredi
Alizah Ali
Destiny Vickers
Girish Joshi
Hazel Buechner
Maxwell Huang
External Vice-Chair
Airo Marsh
Aliyah Rennie
Anita Alizadeh
Danielle Perry
Zachary McKay
Internal Vice-Chair
Chloe Fernandez
Jacinta Shrishankar
Ravash Rafiei
Richelle Antonythasan
Zaina Gohar
Vice-Chair Events
Amanda Jerjis
Jessica Whittingham
Justin Huschilt
Simna Sarah Stephen
Matthews Chair
Gio Moon
Noah Ross
McKay Residence Chair
David Shen
Olivia Hutchinson
Rose Moosavian
Sana Sajjad
Tyler Poirier
Woodstock Chair
Savannah Rose
Simran Ram
The following will be running in the extended round of elections, with polling happening on October 5, 2023. (Those in bold will have a vote of confidence on September 28, 2023)
Bates Residence Chair
Joshua Zhang
Hedden Residence Chair
Logan McLean
PGCLL Residence Chair
Elizaveta Kirichek
Les Prince Residence Chair
Henry Cole
Lauren Gadbois
Morgan Puusari
Moulton Residence Chair
Bishal Sarker
Buddhisha Amarakoon
Off-Campus Chair
Samrit Rull
Timothy Zheng
Emilia Berg
Aleena Khan
Whidden Residence Chair
Ari Grosman
Sean Adams
Results:
SRA By-Elections may take place several times throughout the year, if spots on the SRA become available outside of the SRA General Election process. As such, these elections are run as needed to ensure that each caucus is fully filled.
You can find more information about SRA here
The following seats on the SRA are open, until November 24, 2023:
Nursing (1)
Important Dates:
Extended Timeline:
Proclamation: November 13, 2023
Nomination Period: November 13-24, 2023
All Candidates Meeting: November 24, 2023*
Campaigning Period: November 27-30, 2023
Vote of Confidence Polling: November 29, 2023
Polling Date: November 30, 2023
Original Timeline:
Proclamation: November 13, 2023
Nomination Period: November 13-17, 2023
All Candidates Meeting: November 17, 2023*
Campaigning Period: November 20-23, 2023
Vote of Confidence Polling: November 22, 2023
Polling Date: November 23, 2023
*This meeting is mandatory.
The following will go to an election on November 23, 2023
Engineering
Benita Okosagah
Sam Kuriakose
Sammy Abbas
Science
Alizah Ali
Bodhi Mah
Dhara Parsania
Omolade George
Adam Monfaredi
Important Documents:
Click here to access documents related to SRA By-elections
Results:
The MSU Elections Department can hold online elections on behalf on faculty/program societies or student groups, using our Simply Voting platform. If you would like support in hosting and facilitating an election, email the elections department for more information.
Please note: The Elections Department will have the following blackout dates for external elections: September 27-28, October 25-26, Nov 22-23, Jan 14-26, Feb 27-March 8. Your request will not be honored if it’s during this date.
Please fill out this form and send back to the Chief Returning Officer if you are interested in holding an external election.
Are you interested in running for a position in the MSU but have no clue where to start? Start by following the steps below:
Step One: Nominate Yourself
This is the easiest step. Once the nomination period opens for your election, just download the nomination form respective to the election you are running in from the MSU Elections website and fill out the required information. Once complete, submit it to MSU Elections through email by sending it to elections@msu.mcmaster.ca before the nomination period ends.
Step Two: Read the Rules
Part of your nomination package will be the rules for your election that you (and your campaign team if you have one) have to follow as a candidate. A very important part of these rules is that you cannot campaign before the start of the campaign period. If you break the rules you could be fined so make sure you know them!
Step Two-and-a-Half: Assemble a Campaign Team (if applicable)
This is a half-step because not everyone uses or needs a campaign team. Most often candidates assemble them to help them out during the Presidential Election. This election can involve a lot of effort from the candidate to try to reach all MSU members, so a campaign team can be an invaluable resource. If you wish to assemble one, make sure that you register your campaign team members with the Elections Department, that your team knows the rules just as well as you do, and that no one campaigns before the campaign period!
Step Three: Attend the All-Candidates Meeting
This mandatory meeting happens the evening each nomination period closes and is where you will get information about your election, can meet your fellow candidates, and can ask any questions you have to the Chief and Deputy Returning Officers. (You might even find out that you’ve been acclaimed!)
Step Four: Campaign
There are many ways that you can campaign. The most common methods include posting posters, talking to classes, making a Facebook page, and talking to people around campus. You can also get creative with campaigning, just make sure you’re always following the rules!
Step Five: Get the Results
At the end of polling for an election, the Elections Committee will meet to discuss complaints against all of the candidates and to levy fines if they so decide, before anyone has found out the results. At the conclusion of the fines meeting the Elections Committee will view the results, the MSU will publicize them, and you will be notified of any fines that you have.
Step Five-and-a-Half: Appeal Your Fines
If you wish to fight your fine(s), you can submit an appeal to the Elections Department following the election and then make your case to the Elections Committee at their appeals meeting. If they decide not to accept your appeal, you have one more opportunity to appeal and that is to the Electoral Appeal Board.
Step Six: Relax
Whether or not you are successful, you deserve a break! And keep an eye out for the next MSU election around the corner.
Tips & Insight
Former MSU President, Mary Koziol created a guide on running in MSU elections, focusing on presidentials. This guide includes Mary’s insight as well as insight from other students who have participated in elections. Please click on the link below to view her handy guidebook on Issuu.
All elections held by the MSU use a secure online voting platform, called SimplyVoting. Visit SimplyVoting at any time and login with your MacID to see available elections.
Check often, as in addition to the elections of the MSU president and SRA members, many clubs and faculty societies utilize the election services of the MSU to host their own elections.
For detailed instructions including screen walkthroughs, please download the guidebook below:
To view past elections results, please click here.