10 Reasons Why You Should Vote In Birkbeck Students' Union Elections

It's that time of year again where we ask Birkbeck students to choose who you want to lead the Students' Union for the next year. Here are ten reasons why you should make sure you vote before March 26th, 1pm!

1. They will be your representatives

All of the positions up for election are there to represent you and your fellow Birkbeck students. The student leaders and liberation officers will represent you at College committees and boards, as well as representing your student voice on the Students' Union Trustee Board and throughout their work. NUS delegates will be voting on behalf of Birkbeck students at NUS national conference.

So make sure you have a read of candidate manifestos to see who would represent you best!

2. The winners will lead the Union for the next academic year

The two Student Leader positions and the 5 Liberation Officer roles (LGBTQ+, Womens', Disabilities, Black members and Trans) are elected to lead the Students' Union - this means that they direct our work for the year.

Students’ Union officers get a unique experience leading a charitable organisation, fulfilling top roles and being key decision makers for the Union. All 7 of the elected officers sit on the Students’ Union Trustee Board and Executive Committee, two of the highest decision-making bodies of the Students’ Union. Through both committees, the elected Officers do things like make decisions on Union budgets, agree organisational stances on political issues, approve important items such as new job roles and yearly operational plans and help plot the strategic vision of the Students’ Union.

3. It's a great chance to dabble in some democracy!

Since 1992 (77% turn out) the voter turnout for General Elections has been significantly reduced - some years as low as 59.4% (2001, I'm looking at you.)

If you're a bit nervous about turning out to the polls for nationwide democracy (or are just a bit disillusioned to UK politics) why not dip your toe in the pool of democracy by using your voice and casting your vote in an election closer to home - say, the Birkbeck Students' Union elections for example!

4. We use transferable voting so your vote has more impact

Transferable voting is the most fair and effective way to run an election. Most elections only allow you to pick your favourite candidate, but with transferable voting you can rank all the candidates for each position in order of your preference, and these preferences are included in the count until a candidate surpasses the quota of votes to win (at least 50% +1 of the votes.)

We know this is a bit confusing, so here is a handy video from the NUS explaining exactly how this works!

5. You can help make change happen

Every candidate running in the elections will be aiming to make some changes - whether it's to Birkbeck, the local community or something bigger, Students' Union officers spend their time working towards improving your student experience. To see what each candidate wants to change, speak to them on campus or have a read of their manifestos!

6. It doesn't take long!

Casting your vote in the Students' Union elections doesn't take long at all! So you can take part in democracy and raise your student voice all while the kettle is boiling - cheers to that ☕️

7. Vote for the campaigns you care about

Most candidates, especially those running for our four liberation positions (LGBTQ+, Womens', Black, Disabilities) will be running campaigns if elected. Some past campaigns have included making Birkbeck more sustainable, 24-hour library campaign, gender neutral toilet campaign, the introduction of the No-Detriment Policy and the removal of the need for evidence for Mitigating Circumstances during the pandemic.

Take a look at the campaigns your candidates are aiming to run - use your vote to support the campaigns you love the most!

8. Because your student voice matters

Your experience matters and we want to know what's important to you - the best way to let us know is by using your student voice! The Students' Union is here for you, to listen to your experiences and help improve your time at Birkbeck. The work we do is shaped by student ideas and feedback.

Why not start by having your say in who leads the Union?

9. If you're in your final year, make sure you leave the Union in good hands

If you're in your final year and have been thinking "well this doesn't affect me in the slightest" - you're not wrong, but it does affect the future of your university. Wasn't there some things you wanted to change during your time here? Do you wish things had been different?

Why not leave your College in safe hands by casting your vote to make sure your ideal candidate looks after your legacy.

10. Finally, if nothing else, voting in the Students' Union elections is the perfect way to procrastinate for 3 minutes...

...and feel productive while doing it!

Voting is open from 1pm Monday 22nd March 2021 - 1pm Friday 26th March 2021. To vote in the Students' Union elections click here.

If you have any questions please get in touch at [e-mail]