ELECTIONS SPECIAL Your complete guide to the elections: find out who’s been elected to represent you over the next academic year
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Education
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President
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UMCA President & Welsh Affairs
Welfare
‘THE BEST TURNOUT IN 115 YEARS’
STUDENTS ELECT THEIR NEW UNION OFFICERS FOR NEXT YEAR
Rebecca James The new Students’ Union President, Lewis Donnelly
Katie Saint & Andrew Simpson ABERYST WY TH University Students’ Union spring elections have now come to an end, and 21 new officers (including NUS delegates) have been elected to represent students in the next academic year. This year’s elections saw the Students’ Union’s highest ever turnout of 29%, with 23,515 votes cast by 2269 students over a two day voting period, which passed the Union’s target turnout of 27%. Current President of
Aberystwyth Students’ Union, Jacob Dafydd Ellis stated, “I would like to congratulate all the candidates for a great election. The best turnout in 115 years; I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you to staff and to students”. In addition to the 5 full-time officers (pictured above), 11 part-time officers were elected. This was a considerable improvement from the election last year, where only 5 part-time roles were filled. However, many of these were still only one candidate vs. R.O.N. NUS delegates
> full time officers page 3 > nus delegates page 6 Founded 1948
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for both Wales and the UK were also elected. BME officer and Mature Students’ Officer were the only two positions which had no candidates running. These two roles will be up for election in October. Lewis Donnelly was elected as President, beating four other candidates by a margin of 447 votes. Lauren Marks was elected as Education Officer, after beating 6 other candidates by a margin of 230 votes. Ieuan Gregory is the next Welfare Officer, after he defeated 3 other
candidates by a margin of 228 votes. Kelly Keat is the new Activities Officer in a highly contested election involving 8 candidates. Keat won the election after 8 rounds of voting, winning by the slim margin of just 4 votes. Finally, the new Welsh Affairs and UMCA President is Hanna Medi Merrigan, beating R.O.N. by a margin of 968 votes. This issue contains a full report on the results, including the full breakdown of results, interviews and comments.
> part time officers page 5 > section & liberation officers page 7 Year 65 Elections Special
February 2015
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The Courier
Katie Saint Elections Editor STUDENTS’ UNION elections are finally at an end, after weeks of speculation about candidates and a week of nonstop campaigning by candidates and their campaign teams. This year’s elections saw a turnout of 29%, the highest the Students’ Union has ever seen and a great
Elections Special 2015
improvement on the 23% turnout of last year. It was great to see so many candidates running for election, and there was also a considerable improvement in positions being left unfilled, with only the positions of Mature Students’ Officer and BME Officer having no candidates. As well as great involvement from students as both candidates and their campaign teams, their has also been real dedication from some students in helping to run the elections themselves. Dan Meehan, the SU Campaigns and Democracy Coordinator, paid tribute to the hard work of Emily Magnus,
Aberystwyth Student Media is the integrated student media organisation for Aberystwyth. We produce The Courier, Bay Radio and Bay TV. We operate independently of the Students’ Union and University; all of our content is produced by Aberystwyth students on a voluntary basis. We’re always looking for new members, and whatever you’re interested in, Aber Student Media is the place for you! To find out more, come to our fortnightly meetings (check out our Facebook page for details), or drop by our office, on the ground floor of the Union. If you’ve got any queries about joining, or any other questions, you can email our Secretary, Cameron, at secretary@aberstudentmedia.com
the outgoing Sports Officer who also acted as Elections Administrator: “Emily has been phenomenal, I honestly couldn’t have done this without her. She did more than just help me, she saved me.” Andy Morwood, the SU Membership Services Manager, also thanked Dan Meehan, stating that “tonight’s record turnout is a testament to his hard work”. I would also like to thank ASM’s News Editor Jonny Haseldine and Online Editor Andrew Simpson, and all the rest of the ASM team who have worked tirelessly in their coverage of these elections. Their dedication must be commended.
full time officers
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NUS conference delegates
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section officers
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part time officers
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liberation officer
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uncontested
Elections Editor Online Editor News Editor Assistant Editor Design Manager
Katie Saint Andrew Simpson Jonny Haseldine Alex Rees Tomos Nolan
Content Editors
Emily Rowe, Illtud Dafydd and Stacey Gaenssler
Reporters
Maisie O’Brien Nora Engeseth Jo Jones Rose Cunningham
Photographers
Alex Stuart and Rebecca James
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ELECTIONS
FULL TIME OFFICERS PRESIDENT LEWIS Donnelly is the new President of Aberystwyth Students’ Union. Winning by 866 votes with Julia Corcoran, Alexander Tidy, Daniel Middleton and Kathleen Stannard following behind. The Union was filled with noise when Donnelly took the title, one he had won by far in every stage of the voting. Speaking with Aber Student Media after the result Donnelly said he was “shocked” Alex Stuart
and somewhat speechless. When asked what he would be focussing on first Donnelly responded, “Improving Welsh translation – hire more welsh speakers; improve uni-student communications through a smartphone app. Online voting system so students can watch SU Meetings on a stream and vote on policies.” A focus on improving translations, support and opportunities for Welsh speakers has been a central aspect of Donnelly’s manifesto and campaign. Donnelly has also expressed a desire to improve communications between students and the Union - letting students have their say by creating an online voting system for Students’ Union assembly meeting that will allow students to have much more influence on their Union and university. Car sharing schemes, campaigning against Visa schemes for a continued multicultural Aberystwyth and improving study spaces such as Laura Place in town are just some of Donnelly’s
pledges to students. Donnelly’s main aim appears to be creating a Students’ Union that is far more influenced by actual students at the university and places more emphasis on accessibility, interaction and Welsh representation. The voting turnout this year may have been at its best for a long time, but there are still huge chunks of the student population who did not vote. Perhaps Donnelly’s inclusive and interactive plans for the Union will change this. The new president told us he would be “going out to celebrate” after the win and in his speech hoped he would see us all in Yokos. Lewis Donnelly Julia Corcoran Alexander Tidy Daniel Middleton (4) Kathleen Stannard (3) R.O.N
866 419 318 248 147 88
Ieuan Gregory Ria Landrygan Auzee Ziq Rosmadee John Morgan R.O.N
726 498 321 233 76
WELFARE IEUAN Gregory, a third-year history and education student, has won the position of Welfare Officer with 726 votes, followed by Ria Landrygan, Auzee Ziq Rosmadee and John Morgan in that order. Upon taking the stage during the elections, Ieuan Gregory was awarded a ceremonial poncho from the incumbent Welfare officer, Will Atkinson, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd. In his interview with Aberystwyth Student Media, he spoke of being overwhelmed by the intensity of the elections and his campaign. Despite his exhaustion, he looks forward to his work: “Face-to-face, one-on-one contact especially with students” is his priority. In his extensive manifesto he recognizes the broad range of needs students have, highlighting mental health, student support and sexual health - all issues that are so often ignored despite being central in many students’ lives. He went on to say that he throughly enjoyed campaigning and how rewarding it was to see that people wanted to see the
Students’ Union welfare system improved with the policies that he had put forward. Gregory pledges to make students more aware of the pre-existing support available to them as well as increase awareness of resources relating to mental and sexual health, pledging to “resurrect” the Sexual Health clinic at the Wellness Centre and give students access to more free condoms. Arguing that students are often ‘oblivious’ to student support, Gregory plans on making all support more accessible and extensive as well as ensuring students are fully prepared for graduate life with the help of the Union. When asked if he had a message for the students who had voted for and elected him, Gregory stated that he was “extremely greatful” for the fact that “you took the time to read my manifesto, that you took the time to vote this year”. Ieuan will be taking up the postion of Welfare Officer in July when he takes over from the current Welfare Officer Will Atkinson. Atkinson’s policies this academic year have included campaigns
for affordable housing, improving accessiblitiy to the Union building and zero tolerance to sexual harrassment and hate crimes. He spoke of the delight of finally being able to hand over the welfare poncho to somebody else’s care. Alex Stuart
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Elections Special 2015
ELECTIONS
FULL TIME OFFICERS EDUCATION
IN ANOTHER highly sought after position Lauren Marks has been elected Education Officer with 722 votes after seven rounds. Will Thomas came second with 492 votes and he was then followed by Kerry-Ann Pimlott, Shobha Sritharan, Alice Duclos, Jake Stennett and Willaim Hannell. As an undergraduate Institute Representative for IBERS, Marks brings academic experience to her new role, and pledges to develop study spaces at Laura Place, Llandinam and the Old College, as well as increasing communication Lauren Marks Will Thomas Kerry-Ann Pimlott (7) Shoba Sritharan (6) Alice Duclos (5) Jake Stennett (4) William Hannell (3) R.O.N
722 492 285 240 196 169 97 67
between lecturers and students with module feedback and on Blackboard. She refers to ‘the big three’ - tutors, feedback and Blackboard - in her manifesto as essential for students and therefore all central to her future plans. In particular Marks hopes to create a tighter feedback system - ‘Feedback on Feedback’ - so that individual departments can improve their marking policies. Other pledges include lobbying to bring back full revision weeks, improving student representation in the Union and providing more substantial support for postgraduates. Both Marks and new president, Lewis Donnelly, have mentioned continuing support for FU Wednesdays as well. Speaking after her win, Marks thanked “All those who voted and listened” during this year’s elections. Despite beginning her campaign with no campaign team as she remarks in her ASM interview “It was me alone for a few days until my friends
came back from holiday!”, Marks’ huge success in this election and extensive manifesto show potential for the year ahead. Paying tribute to her predecessor Grace Burton on stage, who announced her victory, Marks stated that Burton was her inspiration for running and was looking forward to “continuing the great work that Grace had done over the last two years”.
and, though followed closely by her contestants, Keat led the race throughout each stage. Keat is an active sportswoman, boasting ten different sports, including a committee position. Keat’s pledges include improving the ‘Sporty Club’ system, create and allocate storage and facilities for clubs when needed and promoting Aberystwyth’s teams and individual pride by showcasing achievements and events on new platforms. In response to the huge outburst of noise when Keat won her position, she thanked her sports teams for supporting her both on the night and throughout her campaign. When speaking to Aberystwyth Student Media, Keat spoke of the intense competition for the role and her excitement to transform Club Sporty into ‘Team Aber’. We asked her her plans for the evening to which she responded, “Cry, drink, sleep and then who knows?” Keat’s charisma and hopes for a Union that supports students for all their passions and sports are both promising for the coming year. On her plans to change the ‘Club Sporty’
system, Keat stated that “Currently many sports teams pay Club Sporty membership but don’t use university facilities. I propose a fairer (but not more expensive!) system where TeamAber membership would be brought based on facilities used rather than a blanket price. Club sporty would still be available for those who use facilities sporadically”. Furthermore, in terms of improving funding she stated that she would “allocate a grant pot for things that currently aren’t automatically funded,including a start-up fund for new societies and clubs, as well as funds for competitions and events that aren’t currently funded”.
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ACTIVITIES IN THE closest election of this year’s Students’ Union elections, Kelly Keat, a Third-year Sports and Exercise Science student, has won the position of Activities Officer. In the eighth stage, Keat won by 604 votes, followed closely by Cameron Smyth with 600. Dylan O’Kelly-Lynch, Jeanette Appleseed, Alex Moore, Harriet O’Shea, Suzanne Kurian and Kate Hampton followed. With eight candidates, this position was one of the most contested of this election Alex Stuart
Kelly Keat Cameron Smyth Dylan O’Kelly-Lynch (8) Jeanette Appleseed (7) Alex Moore (6) Harriet O’Shea (5) Suzanne Kurian (4) Kate Hampton (3) R.O.N
604 600 443 290 228 185 151 141 29
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Elections Special 2015
ELECTIONS
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FULL TIME OFFICERS LLYWYDD UMCA PRESIDENT ENNILLODD Hanna Medi Merrigan, a astudiodd yn Ysgol Gyfun Maes yr Yrfa cyn dod i Aberystwyth yn 2012, yr etholiad ar gyfer Swyddog Materion Cymreig ac Llywydd UMCA gan ennill 1,229 pleidlais gyda RON (Ail Agor Enwebiadau) yn derbyn 261 pleidlais. Un o brif amcanion ei maniffesto oedd i barhau “i gyd-weithio a’r Brifysgol a’r Coleg Cymraeg er mwyn sicrhau bod y Ganolfan Gymraeg a Diwylliant yn gweddu gofynion y myfyrwyr Cymreig yn hytrach na tanseilio’r llety” ac pan gofynnwyd beth oedd y polisi yr oedd hi am weithredu arno’n gyntaf, ei hateb oedd “Achub Pantycelyn, dwi’n hollol ymwybodol bod Pantycelyn heb wir wedi’i achub a dwi’n credu mai dyma’r polisi cyntaf ”. Wedi bod ar bwyllgor UMCA ers dwy flynedd fel Swyddog Ail Iaith nododd “bod siaradwyr di-Gymraeg neu ddysgwyr yn bwysig iawn a fi’n edrych ymlaen i gydweithio gyda nhw hefyd”. Rhan arall o’i maniffesto yw ei bod hi hefyd am
weld mwy o’r di-Gymraeg yn mynychu digwyddiadau UMCA. Bydd Hanna yn cymryd dros gwaith Miriam Williams, hi yw’r bumed fenyw yn olynnol i’w hethol fel Llywydd UMCA yn dilyn Rhiannon Wade, Tammy Hawkins, Mared Ifan a Miriam Williams y llynedd.
WELSH LANGUAGE OFFICER
DEPUTY WELFARE & CAMPAIGNS
HANNA Medi Merrigan won the election to become Welsh Affairs and UMCA President. The former Ysgol Gyfun Maes yr Yrfa student claimed 1,229 votes, while R.O.N. (Re-open Nominations) won 261 votes. The first point of her manifesto was to make sure that the proposed Centre for Welsh Language and Culture would meet the requirements of the Welsh students. She was asked which one of her policies she was looking to implement first, to which she replied “The most important policy over the next year will be to save Pantycelyn. We’re all aware of the situation that Pantycelyn hasn’t really been saved and that I think is the most important policy”.
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Hanna has been a member of UMCA’s committee for two years as the Second Language Officer, and will look to “cooperate even further with non-Welsh speakers and learners” with the hope of seeing more of them at UMCA events. Hanna will take over from Miriam Williams, and is the fifth woman to preside UMCA in a row after Rhiannon Wade, Tammy Hawkins, Mared Ifan and Williams. Hanna Medi Merrigan 1,229 R.O.N. 261
PART TIME OFFICERS
THE NEW Welsh Language Officer, elected with 810 votes, is Craig Pryce. The Welsh Language Officer’s role is to ensure Alex Stuart the Welsh language is heard and valued at the university, and to campaign for opportunities for students to learn and speak Welsh. In his manifesto, Craig stated that the Welsh language is “fundamental to our Welsh heritage and culture.” For the coming year, his plans include: representing students by holding meetings, and ensuring Union documents are consistently bilingual; working with the Commissioner for Wales to get resources for the Union; and having an open door policy for anyone who wishes to communicate their issues through the medium of Welsh. Craig Pryce R.O.N.
810 537
JAMIE Scott, a Criminology student, was elected Deputy Welfare Officer by 1089 votes to 268 for R.O.N. The role of Alex Stuart the Deputy Welfare Officer is to support the Welfare Officer in matters relevant to students, and to improve support provisions across the University. Jamie’s main policy tackles housing and administration costs, and additional fees so students aren’t caught out, and working towards abolishing these fees. Other policies he aims to work on include: promoting sustainable healthy eating, and ensuring hate crime is stamped out. He pointed out that, “it’s hard to make people remember to vote for part time officers”, and because of this he found campaigning a struggle. Jamie Scott R.O.N.
1089 268
UNION CHAIRPERSON
G A R E T H Edwards has been re-elected as the Students’ Union Chairperson, beating Craig Pryce. Edwards, who was unable to attend the results night, promised: “To continue working towards ensuring our new system of student representation becomes one of the best and most democratic in the UK”. Other proposals included streamlining Council meetings, and ensuring all Council meetings are bilingual. He also wants to digitise Officer reports to make them accessible online for the student body, continue to promote the Council to all students and continue to raise awareness of what issues students can bring to the SU and to the Council. Gareth Edwards 855 Craig Pryce 278 R.O.N. 191
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Elections Special 2015
ELECTIONS
PART TIME OFFICERS SPORTS OFFICER
JOE Waylett has been elected as the Union’s new Sports Officer, after running unopposed for the position. A member of the university cricket club for three years, Waylett has pledged to Credit keep Wednesday afternoons free for Photo Alex Stuart BUCS events and reiterated support for the improvement and awareness of sports events at the university. He has also specifically hoped to push for qualified coaches for all sports teams. Waylett’s aims as Sports Officer focus on equality across sports teams and improved support for any student wishing to get involved Joe Waylett 1163 in sports at Aberystwyth. R.O.N. 216
SUSTAINABILITY & ETHICS OFFICER
RYAN Myles-Roberts was re-elected as Sustainability and Ethics Officer. He is responsible for ensuring the campus is environmentally friendly and ethical. Credit Asked how it felt to be re-elected, Ryan Photo Alex Stuart said, “It feels great. I get to continue my work from last year, and build foundations for whoever takes on the role after me.” He intents to raise awareness about healthy eating on a budget; providing recycling bags in the Union reception for students not living in university accommodation; 1096 and to make sustainability Ryan Myles-Roberts R.O.N. 297 a key part of the Union.
SOCIETIES OFFICER
RAG OFFICER
RHIZ Evans is our newly elected Societies Officer, winning in the first stage. Evans’ focus is to improve communication between societies and the Union. Quality support, improved Alex Stuart Photo Credit marketing and prioritising struggling societies are central to Evans’ plans for her new role. Speaking to ASM after the results Evans expressed her excitement for her new role and how much Rhiz Evans 1199 she enjoyed campaigning. R.O.N. 216
RHIANNON Edmunds has been elected RAG Officer, with 1088 votes after running unopposed. The role of the RAG Officer is to inspire and support fundraising by the university community Photo AlexCredit Stuart for local, national and global causes. In her manifesto, Rhiannon says that she aims to get Aberystwyth University and its Student Union “more actively involved with local charities, to help close Rhiannon Edmunds 1088 the ever growing town/ R.O.N. 287 gown divide.”
NUS DELEGATES NUS UK CONFERENCE DELEGATES
JULIA Corcoran, Will Atkinson and Miriam Williams are the new NUS UK Conference Delegates. The candidates stress the importance of a strong voice both for Aberystwyth students and the NUS as a representative in the upcoming general elections. Miss Corcoran spoke to ASM after the announcement: “I am a supporter of NUS” she said, “I think being a part of it
gives us a good standing.” (Right: delegate Julia Corcoran Below: delegate Harriet O’Shea). Julia Corcoran Will Atkinson Miriam Williams William Hingley (2) R.O.N
363 324 324 41 4
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NUS WALES DELEGATES
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WITH a total of 1248 votes cast, the winners, and the new NUS Wales Delegates, are Will Atkinson, Miriam Williams, Harriet O’Shea and Kerry-Ann Pimlott. The candidates will represent the voice and interest of Aberystwyth University students on a local and national level. “I was an NUS Delegate last autumn, and really enjoyed it,” Miss O’Shea said, “It
feels good. It was a close call, but I am glad I got it.” Will Atkinson Miriam Williams Kerry-Ann Pimlott Harriet O`Shea Julia Corcoran R.O.N
250 250 249 223 179 6
Elections Special 2015
SECTION OFFICERS
LGBT+ OFFICER
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ OFFICER
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DISABLED STUDENTS’ OFFICER
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HEATHER Longmore has been elected the new Student’s Union Disabled Students’ Officer after winning in the first round of an uncontested election. Speaking to Aberystwyth Student Media after being elected, Longmore stated that she “happy to have been elected to the position” and was “looking forward to representing Heather Longmore 33 disabled students throughout the R.O.N 18 University”.
WOMEN’S OFFICER CLAIRE Herbert was re-elected as Women’s Officer. She spoke about her plans to host a “Reclaim the Night” march to raise awareness towards victims of domestic abuse and the poor treatment of sex workers. She seeks to raise further awareness, and aims to raise awareness of the violence women are subjected to outside and inside the university, Claire Herbert 174 and to motivate others to stand up R.O.N 34 for their rights.
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ELECTIONS
LIBERATION OFFICERS EDWARD Jones has been elected to the position of LGBT+ Officer. Jones spoke with emotion about his election and the safety he has felt as a transgender student at Pantcelyn halls. He emphasised how we take being safe for granted and spoke of his work within the trans community in Wales, his desire to “stamp out hatred everywhere” and 100 promote tolerance and safety Edward Jones R.O.N 30 towards LGBTQ+ students.
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THE NEW International Students’ Officer is Melanie Moore. She is responsible for representing international students in the Union, and aims to promote social inclusion for international students across campus as well as campaigning for academic support. She highlights a “big need” for this position to be full time and intends to try and push for this to happen. She intends to work towards establishing a multifaith Chapel, and wants to purchase prayer mats and providing foot baths for student. Melanie enjoyed campaigning and looks forward to unwinding after a stressful few Alex Stuart weeks. Melanie Moore 35 R.O.N 18
UNCONTESTED POSITIONS (Continued from back page) There is no reason to believe that such groupings don’t exist here in Aber as well. Of the 2,068 votes cast here last year, a certain chunk are going to have been the people who vote because they feel it’s their duty to do so. They are mainly people who have had some kind of involvement with the Union before, be it as a sports or societies team member or getting involved with the running of the Union. Similarly, I’d imagine the membership of the second category is a reasonably small number of people. That isn’t to say that the SU doesn’t bring about any change, because it does and its staff run some fantastic campaigns. However, a more logical argument would be that an individual chooses to vote because they want to see certain parts of a candidate’s manifesto become reality at a later date, rather than voting as a response to an
One candidate VS R.O.N FULL TIME OFFICERS Welsh Affairs Officer & UMCA President
PART TIME OFFICERS
Sustainability & Ethics Officer Deputy Welfare Officer Sports Officer Societies Officer Welsh Language Officer RAG Officer
LIBERATION OFFICERS Disabled Students’ Officer LGBT+ Officer Women’s Officer
SECTION OFFICERS
International Students’ Officer
already created change (unless of course a person is running for re-election). Finally, if you are 16 or over, you can
No candidates running LIBERATION OFFICERS BME Officer
SECTION OFFICERS Mature Students’ Officer
register through the Government website, www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. You’ll need your National Insurance number, and the registration process takes around five minutes. It can also be done by post. The registration deadline is Monday 20th April. Either way, get registered today. If there is one message you should take away from this, then it is the following; engage with elections, talk about the issues that matter to you, voice your opinions, get involved and, most importantly, vote.
Full Time President Lewis Donnelly
YOUR WINNERS You voted for them: now find out who’s representing you for the next academic year!
Education Lauren Marks
Tomos Nolan
Welfare Ieuan Gregory Activities Kelly Keat
Welsh affairs and UMCA president
Hanna Medi Merrigan
Part Time Chairperson Gareth Edwards
Societies Officer Rhiannon Evans Sports Officer Joe Waylett
RAG Officer Rhiannon Edmunds
Sustainability and Ethics Officer
Ryan Myles-Roberts
Welsh Language Officer Craig Pryce Deputy Welfare Officer Jamie Scott
Section Officers International Students’ Officer
Melanie Moore
Liberation Officers Disabled Students’ Officer Heather Longmore LGBT+ Officer Edward Jones
Women’s Officer Claire Herbert
NUS Conference Delegates Wales
Will Atkinson Miriam Williams Harriet O’Shea Kerry-Ann Pimlott
UK
Julia Corcoran Will Atkinson Miriam Williams
Let’s talk about...voting Jonny Haseldine News Editor IN THE UNLIKELY event that you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, there’s a General Election coming up on May 7th. Likewise, if you’ve stepped into the Students’ Union at any point in the last few days, then you’ll have probably been caught up in the scrum of election campaign teams that have inhabited it since last Friday, promoting their candidates for the Students’ Union elections. Various campaign teams have been hanging around in prominent positions, attempting to get you to vote for their candidate, but the question remains; do people actually bother voting? In the original version of this article, published on our website two weeks ago to coincide with Speak Week, I argued that despite the wealth of advertising for both events, turnout from students will be low in both. At the 2010 General Election, only 51.8% of 18-24 year olds turned out and voted - the lowest of all age groups. This was a far better turnout than the 38.2% who voted in 2005, although the overall trend shows the sharpest decline in number of votes is very much the 18-24 category. A lower turnout at the 18-24 age group has a knock-on effect when it comes to governments and the policy decisions that they make. Governments don’t produce far more legislation concerning pensioners for the hell of it, they do it because they’re the age group that has highest voter turnout (74.7% in 2010). In retrospect, as we sit here writing up
the results of the Students’ Union election, I can happily hold my hands up and say I was wrong, to an extent, about turnout. 2269 students turned out to vote over the two days, resulting in a 29% turnout which, in context, is an impressive result for the team here in the Union. Their aim had been 27% this year followed by 30% next year, a target which seems rather reachable on the current trajectory. While researching facts and figures for the original article, I came across an article published a couple of weeks ago by NUS in which two members of staff from two Students’ Unions argued for and against incentivising SU elections. The full article can be found online, but the part I specifically want to focus on is the grouping of students together into 4 different categories. Stephen Dowson, Student Led Change Manager at Leeds University Union argues that: “There are four groups of students. Those who will vote regardless, because they always do. There are those who vote because they have been affected by or seen a change the SU has reached. Then there are those outside that sphere. Those who we haven’t connected by our work. Where is their benefit for helping us in our elections? Finally, the fourth group, what do we say to those who will never see the benefit the candidates are offering - the third year, the Masters student or the Erasmus student?” (Continues on page 7)
Elections coverage produced with thanks to Katie Saint, Andrew Simpson, Jonny Haseldine, Rhian Hughes, Anastazja Fedorowicz, Christopher-Cameron McNaught, Lauren Roberts, Ryan Owen, Cassie Smyth, Nadine El-Amami, Illtud Dafydd, Emily Rowe, Alex Tanton, Alex Rees, Shaun Butler, Malgorzata Hryhorowicz, Joel Hughes, Tomos Nolan, Eva Lightfoot, Stacey Gaenssler, Kieran Dunbar, Alex Tanton, Rebecca James, Aled Humphreys, Maisie O’Brien, Jo Jones, Nora Engeseth, Rose Cunningham, Alex Stuart, Gavin J Berry and Rami Abukalam.