Election Process

Welcome back! Each spring, GSB officials are elected by the students of Iowa State University. Every student may vote in the election, which is held online at www.vote.iastate.edu. Officials elected in each cycle include Senate members and the President/Vice President slate. Senate members are elected by the individuals they represent. Each student may vote for senators based on their primary academic college (LAS, Business, etc.) and based on where they live (residence halls, Campustown, Greek community, off-campus, etc.). The number of representatives for each area is determined by the number of students living in that area. (1 representative is granted per 1500 students.)

The GSB Election Commission is tasked with overseeing the election process to ensure fair, impartial procedures for all involved in the election process. The Election Commissioner is responsible for oversight and leadership, while six other members aid in the process. Individuals running for election are required to attend a seminar with Election Commission representatives, where they learn about campaign rules and regulations. Upon completing this meeting, candidates are free to begin the campaign process. Candidates for the executive slate must collect 1,500 petition signatures by February 12 to be placed on the ballot, while Senate candidates must collect 100. The Election Commission holds two debates for executive candidates each year in the weeks preceding the election. A debate is also held for highly contested Senate races.

Referendum questions may be placed on the ballot, either by GSB legislation or through a petition of 2,000 signatures collected by students. These items typically include GSB constitutional amendments or large-scale projects (such as the recent Recreation Renovation project).

This year's election will be held on March 1-2. It is a quick and easy process, so all students are encouraged to take 5 minutes out of their day to vote online!