Elections

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AUTHORITY:
This Code is established under the authority of Article XV of the Associated Students Constitution of California State University, Northridge.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Code shall be to define and outline the procedures governing the Associated Students Elections.

DATE OF EFFECTIVENESS:
This Code shall be effective when approved by a majority vote of the Associated Students Senate.

AMENDMENTS:
This Code may be amended by a 2/3 rds vote of the total voting membership of the Associated Students Senate.

Contents

I. Appointment, Tenure and Responsibility

A. Chair of Elections

  1. The Chair of Elections shall be appointed by the A.S. President with the approval of the Senate.
  2. The tenure of office for the Chair of Elections shall be one year, to be concurrent with the term of the President who appoints him/her. In the event of a vacancy in the position of Chair of Elections, the A.S. President may issue a non-renewable 30 day appointment to fill the position. Should the office be vacated during the school year, the new appointee’s tenure of office shall end when the term of the A.S. President who appointed him/her ends.
  3. The Chair of Elections shall be immediately responsible for the discharge of their duties to the A.S. President.
  4. The Chair of Elections shall be a student in good standing as defined in Article V, Section I of the A.S. Constitution.
  5. The Chair of Elections may not hold any other elected A.S. office nor be eligible for election to any A.S. office. They may not take part in any campaign for or against any candidate(s) or ballot issue(s) during their tenure in office, with the exception of the right to vote.
  6. The Chair of Elections is advised by the A.S. Manager for Student Leadership, as well as a university-assigned advisor.

B. Assistant Chair of Elections

  1. The Assistant Chair of Elections shall be appointed by the A.S. President with the approval of the A.S. Senate.
    a. In the event of a vacancy in the position of Chair of Elections, the Assistant Chair may be given a non-renewable 30-day appointment to fulfill that role while a search is conducted for a new Chair.
  2. The tenure of office for the Assistant Chair of Elections shall be one year, to be concurrent with the A.S. President’s term of office who appoints them.
  3. The Assistant Chair of Elections shall be directly responsible for the discharge of their duties to the A.S. Chair of Elections.
  4. The Assistant Chair is advised by the A.S. Manager for Student Leadership.
  5. The Assistant Chair of Elections may not hold any other elected A.S. office nor be eligible for election to any A.S. office. They may not take part in any campaign for or against any candidate(s) or ballot issue(s) during their tenure in office, with the exception of the right to vote.
  6. The Assistant Chair of Elections shall be a student in good standing as defined in Article V, Section 1 of the A.S. Constitution.

C. Elections Committee

  1. Members of the Elections Committee are appointed by the A.S. President and approved by the A.S. Senate.
  2. Members of the Elections Committee serve one-year terms, concurrent with the A.S. President’s term of office.
  3. Members of the Elections Committee are directly responsible for the discharge of their duties to the Chair of Elections.
  4. Members of the Elections Committee must be students in good standing as defined in Article V, Section 1 of the A.S. Constitution.
  5. Members of the Elections Committee shall not hold any other A.S. office, nor will they be eligible for election to any other A.S. office, nor shall they take part in any campaign for or against any candidate(s) or ballot issue(s) during their term in office, with the exception of the right to vote.
  6. Any person who is a member of the Elections Committee at any point during an academic year is ineligible to run within that same academic year.

II. Elections Committee Membership

A. Voting membership of this committee shall consist of:

  1. The Chair (who may vote only to make or break ties)
  2. The Vice Chair
  3. No fewer than four and no more than 7 committee members

B. Non-voting, ex-officio members of this committee shall consist of:

  1. The Manager for Student Leadership and Productions
  2. The University Advisor appointed through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  3. The AS Vice President (Senate Representative)
    a. If the AS Vice President is unable to serve, the Senate may appoint a replacement from among their regular membership, to serve until the end of the term of the AS President’s term.
  4. The Chief Justice shall serve as a non-voting member of this committee only for the fall term and must not attend any closed election meetings. They must also work in compliance with the Judicial Court code.

III. Meetings

A. The A.S. Elections Committee shall meet weekly on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. during the regular semester.

B. Quorum and Absences:

  1. Quorum for the A.S. Elections Committee shall be:
    a. At least four voting members present, including the Chair of Elections.
    b. At least one of the two advisors.
  2. Voting members of the Elections Committee may have no more than three unexcused absences from official meetings, hearings or other official Elections Committee obligations.
    a. Any member of the Elections Committee who has more than three unexcused absences from any Elections Committee meetings, hearings or other official Elections Committee obligations shall be considered as having vacated their seat on the Committee.</blockquote>

IV. Responsibilities

A. Chair of Elections shall:

  1. Serve as a member of the A.S. President’s Cabinet.
  2. Serve as Chair of the A.S. Elections Committee.
  3. Be a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Internal Affairs Committee.
  4. Administer the A.S. Elections, and ensure that all election publicity and campaigning be carried out pursuant to the rules, regulations, procedures and policies of this code and all codes relating to Elections, the A.S. Constitution, and those of the university.
  5. Assist students in the process of applying for A.S. elections.
  6. Work with advisor(s) to complete all requirements for the online voting system including ballot preparation, candidate statements and pictures, email alerts, requests for voter information and institutional research data.
  7. Arrange for preparation of all elections materials including election packets, official publicity and marketing, etc.
  8. Preside over all complaints regarding elections conduct, violations of the A.S. Elections code, and/or applicable university policies and procedures.
  9. Maintain documentation of all Elections Committee agendas and minutes, including those that address election irregularities.
  10. Supervise voting and balloting during election days.
  11. Arrange for the secure handling of all elections materials, including confidential information.
  12. Arrange for, publicize and mediate all press conferences and presidential debates.
  13. Coordinate requests for students needing special voting accommodations due to disability.
  14. Coordinate the elections fine/sanctioning process.
  15. Oversee the purchase, management and storage of all election-related supplies.
  16. Have the power, through the Elections Committee process, to conduct a formal hearing on any candidate charged with violating any section of this code and all codes relating to Elections, the A.S. Constitution, and all related university policies and procedures.
  17. Publicize and make available the guidelines and policies on campaigning, campaign publicity and posting relations pertinent to the elections process.
  18. Publicize the elections schedule and all necessary filing information through the official student newspaper and the A.S. website, no later than the first day filing opens and run through the last day of elections. All applications should be available beginning the first day filing opens and runs through the last day of the elections period.
  19. Be responsible for scheduling Elections Committee members to oversee various aspects of the elections process.
  20. Preside over the mandatory candidate orientation meeting, which is scheduled for the purpose of distributing and explaining the various elections rules and processes to candidates.
  21. Submit a summary report on every election to the Senate at the first meeting following the last day of voting. This report will include the voting results, and should be attached officially to the minutes for the Senate meeting at which the report is presented.
  22. Submit the elections results to the Senate on the first meeting following the close of the elections.
    a. These results, when accepted by the Senate, will constitute the “Official Election Results”, and be attached to the minutes of the meeting in which they are approved.
  23. Submit a written evaluation and summary of the election to the Senate for its acceptance.
    a. This summary should be submitted before the close of the Spring semester and attached to the minutes of the meeting in which they are approved.
  24. Submit an evaluation report at the second A.S. meeting following the last day of voting. This report should be automatically referred to the A.S. Internal Affairs Committee for follow-up.
  25. Be responsible for preparing and distributing the agenda, and distributing the minutes to the A.S. Elections Committee and other relevant stakeholders. – this should be the responsibility of the Assistant, in consultation with the Chair.

B. Assistant Chair of Elections shall:

  1. Fill the role of the Chair of Elections in the absence of the Chair of Elections, and will carry out those duties as outlined in the Code on the Chair of Elections and all other codes relating to Elections.
  2. Compile the minutes and submit them to the chair to be distributed with the following week’s agenda.
  3. Ensure that permanent files of the minutes, election(s) results, and other historical information are kept by the A.S. Government Secretary.
  4. Be responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision and payment of all street team members under the direction and supervision of the Chair of Elections.

C. The Elections Committee shall be responsible for fulfilling three primary goals:

  1. The recruitment of students to run for office in the A.S. Elections.
  2. The recruitment of students to vote in A.S. Elections.
  3. The administration of a secure elections process.
    a. In order to fulfill these goals, the responsibilities of the Elections Committee, at the direction of the Chair of Elections, shall: Work with the A.S. Coordinator of Marketing and Public Relations to develop an elections marketing plan, including a theme, materials, and key information designed to inform the student body about an upcoming elections.
    b. Making marketing presentations in classrooms and at club/organization meetings to publicize election information.
    c. Recruiting Senators and Cabinet Members, who are not running in the elections, to help with election publicity and marketing.
    d. Recruiting, training and managing elections employees, a street team of paid student workers, to publicize the elections prior to, and on the days of an election.
    e. Publicizing voting information, election dates, election times, and election locations, at least two school days before each election.
    f. Setting up and supervising all polling stations to be open from 8 am to 6 pm on each day of voting.
    g. Members of the Elections Committee shall be assigned to supervise each polling station during their operating hours.
    h. Members of the Elections Committee are responsible for accounting for all official elections materials assigned to the polling station area they are supervising.
    i. Members of the Elections Committee may observe, document and collect complaints from candidates at polling stations during the hours they are officially open.
    j. Hearing all formal complaints and rendering binding decisions concerning election disputes and violations of any codes related to Elections, the A.S. Constitution, and those applicable university rules and regulations.

V. STREET TEAM

A. Application and Hiring

  1. The application process for Elections Staff, hereafter known as “Street Team” will be included as part of the regular Elections Calendar approved by the Senate and distributed as part of the elections process.
  2. Applications for Street team will be the same application used for all other student employees and volunteers in AS.
  3. A link for the current Street Team application will be included on the Elections Web Site on the same day the site becomes active with the Elections filing criteria, materials and calendar for that year.
  4. Applications for Elections Employees, shall be due no less than one week prior to the Street Team orientation.
  5. All Street Team Members shall be hired in accordance with standard hiring practices.
  6. All Street Team Members must attend an orientation meeting prior to beginning work. The orientation meeting must include training on the AS Elections Code, the A.S. Constitution, and all applicable university rules and regulations governing A.S. Elections.
  7. Street Team Members will be assigned hours based on the availability of their schedule, hours available, and their successful completion of the mandatory orientation.
  8. The hourly rate and number of street team members will be determined as part of the A.S. Elections annual budget request.
  9. Street Team Members may not be candidates for office, candidate representatives, or individuals endorsing or opposing any candidate.
  10. Street Team Members violating any aspect of their position may be dismissed from their positions by the Chair of Elections or the Elections Advisors. They will not be paid for hours currently worked or for any hours scheduled to be served following their removal.

B. Responsibilities

  1. The responsibilities of the Street Team Members shall include, but are not limited to the following:
    a. Setting up campus polling stations
    b. Distributing elections publicity materials
    c. Notifying students about the elections process through official means
    d. If for any reason the online voting system ceases to work during the general election, assisting in the polling and counting process of votes.
  2. Upon approval by the A.S. President and Vice President and if the budget allows, Street Team Members may be asked to work at any pre-elections events including but not limited to: the Elections Kickoff, the President/Vice President Debate, and any other Elections publicity events.

VI. Associated Students Elections

A. General Elections

  1. General student body elections will be conducted once a year during the Spring semester in accordance with the A.S. Constitution.
  2. The A general election will be held no less than six (6) academic weeks or more than ten (10) academic weeks prior to the last day of the Spring semester.
  3. All A.S. elections will be conducted over a two-day consecutive period.
  4. The elected offices available will be those defined in Article V, Section 4.C. of the A.S. Constitution.
  5. Candidates and/ or their respective campaign manager must attend a mandatory candidate orientation meeting. Failure to do so will result in the candidate being disqualified from running in the election.
  6. In the event that no ticket for President/Vice President receives a majority of the votes cast, the Chair of Elections, A.S. Coordinator for Information Technology, the University Advisor to Elections, and the A.S. Manager for Student Leadership and Productions will utilize Instant Run-Off (or similar) provisions of the electronic voting system to determine the winner.
  7. In the event that no senate candidate receives a plurality of the votes cast, the Chair of Elections, A.S. Coordinator for Information Technology, the University Advisor to Elections, and the A.S. Manager for Student Leadership and Productions will utilize Instant Run-Off (or similar) provisions of the electronic voting system to determine the winner.
  8. A.S. Elections will not include write-in candidates, or abstaining from votes.

B. Special Elections

  1. Special elections shall be held for, but not limited to, the following:
    a. In the event that the results for an official election are declared null and void, a special election shall be held no sooner than two (2) regular school days and no later than two (2) weeks after the last day of voting was held.
    b. Upon the successful petitioning to recall any member of the Senate.
    c. Upon the successful petitioning of initiative legislation.
  2. The A.S. President, with the approval of the A.S. Senate, may call special elections.
  3. Special elections will be conducted in conformity with the general provisions of this Code, the A.S. Constitution, and the university. <
  4. The Chair of Elections, in consultation with the A.S President and with the approval of the A.S. Senate, may direct the Elections Committee to establish and publicize particular election procedures for a special election.

C. Recall and/or Initiative Elections

  1. Recall and/or initiative elections will be held in accordance with Article XI of the A.S. Constitution.

D. Referenda

  1. Referenda are questions the A.S. poses to its electorate that, if passed, will result in a specific change or action occurring. These can include the assessment, amendment or repeal of an A.S. fee.
  2. Referenda may be placed on the ballot in an A.S. election by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the total voting membership of the A.S. Senate.
    a. Action by the A.S. Senate to place a referendum on the ballot must occur not less than twenty-eight (28) calendar days (four weeks) prior to a scheduled A.S. Election.
  3. Any members of the A.S. Senate may submit proposed referenda. They should come to the Senate through the Standing Committees whenever reasonable and feasible.

E. Constitutional Amendment

  1. Constitutional amendments are questions the A.S. poses to its electorate that, if passed, will result in a specific addition, amendment or deletion of language to the A.S. Constitution. Constitutional amendments may not address the issue of an A.S. or University fee.
  2. Constitutional amendments may be placed on the ballot in an A.S. election by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the total voting membership of the A.S. Senate.
    a. Action by the A.S. Senate to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot must occur not less than twenty-eight (28) calendar days (four weeks) prior to a scheduled A.S. Election.
  3. Any member of the A.S. Senate may submit proposed constitutional amendments. These should come to the Senate through the Standing Committee process whenever reasonable and feasible.

F. Survey Questions

  1. Survey questions are questions the A.S. poses to its electorate for informational purposes only.
  2. Survey questions may be placed on the ballot in an A.S. election by a simple majority vote of the total voting membership of the A.S. Senate.
    a. Action by the A.S. Senate to place a survey question on the ballot must occur not less than fourteen (14) calendar days (two weeks) prior to a scheduled A.S. Election.
  3. Any member of the A.S. Senate may submit proposed survey questions. These should come to the Senate through the Standing Committee process whenever reasonable and feasible.

VII. Basic Procedures

A. Filing

  1. Prior to each general election, the Chair of Elections, with the assistance of the Elections Committee, will:
    a. Establish timelines for applicants to make a formal declaration of candidacy and to file the online application form.
    b. Announce and publicize an open filing period of at least ten (10) business days (two calendar weeks).
    c. Prepare an electronic elections packet for potential candidates, to include:
    i. Official Candidate Application
    ii. A letter from the Chair of Elections
    iii. The general elections calendar
    iv. Candidate eligibility information
    v. Permission form to check candidate’s academic eligibility
    vi. Voluntary Clean Campaign Pledge,
    vii. Statement of Financial Disclosure Form
    viii. Monetary Donation Disclosure Form
    ix. Press Release Agreement
    x. Elections Candidate Agreement.
    d. Ensure that the packet is available via the website by the first day of filing.
    e. Election packets must be filed electronically according to the directions and timetables in the packet. Failure to file according to those directions, as determined by the electronic date and time verification, will result in the applicant being disqualified from running in the election.
    f. No applicant for A.S. office may file for more than one seat.
    g. Tickets:
    i. Applicants for A.S. President and Vice President will declare themselves as filing jointly for the respective positions, which will be known as a Ticket. The joint names of each Ticket will occupy one box on the final ballot.
    ii. In the event of withdrawal or disqualification of either applicant on a Ticket, the remaining applicant shall have 5 business days from the time of being notified or the close of filing, whichever is later, to find a replacement. Failure to do so before the deadline will result in automatic disqualification from the ballot.
    h. Applicant eligibility will be determined by the Chair of Elections in consultation with the Office of Admissions and Records, the University Advisor to Elections, and the Elections Committee, pursuant to the A.S. Constitution, Article V Section I.A.
    i. It is the ultimate responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they are eligible to run for and hold office.
    ii. The Chair of Elections will advise all applicants of their official determination of eligibility to run within one (1) calendar week of the close of filing.
    iii. Students are considered applicants from time of filing until eligibility for candidacy has been verified. They are then candidates until the elections results have been accepted by the Senate.
    iv. Should a applicant be determined ineligible to run due to academics, they may file an appeal by contacting the University Elections Advisor within 3 calendar days of being notified.
    v. All applicants must have paid AS fees as part of their tuition in order to be eligible for candidacy.
    i. All candidates or their campaign manager are required to attend a mandatory candidate orientation meeting. Failure to attend will result in the disqualification of the candidate from the ballot. Exceptions (class schedule, medical or other emergencies) can be made by the elections committee.
    i. The Chair of Elections will present candidates with an overview of the elections process including distribution of the following:
    a) Current A.S. Code on Elections
    b) The A.S. Constitution
    c) Current A.S. minimum academic requirements for A.S. Personnel
    d) Copies of the current posting and distribution policies from the Matador Involvement Center (MIC)
    e) Paper copies of the Statement of Financial Disclosure form
    f) Paper copies of the Monetary Donation Disclosure form
    g) Online voting information including rules on candidate statements and timelines on the results reveal.
    j. All candidates or their campaign managers must attend 2 out of the 3 mandatory workshops (see the Elections Calendar).

B. Campaigning

  1. An applicant may begin campaigning once they have officially filed for the election.
    a. Campaigning includes but is not limited to:
    1. Online posts.
    2. Club, organization or classroom presentations.
    3. Printed or distributed materials, billboards or signs of any kind.
    4. Website and Social Media Presence.
    b. Any student determined to be ineligible, or who has been disqualified from running must cease campaigning upon notice from the Chair of Elections of ineligibility or disqualification.
    c. Any applicant or Ticket found campaigning prior to being officially recognized by filing for the A.S. elections by the Chair of Elections will be notified to cease campaigning or face being disqualified.

C. Withdrawals

  1. All qualified candidates or Tickets who choose not to participate in the general election must notify the Chair of Elections in writing of their intent to withdraw.

VIII. Candidate Information

A. Independent

  1. A candidate may run for A.S. Senate as an individual, unaffiliated with any slate. Such a candidate is an “Independent.”
  2. Independent candidates are prohibited from appearing in any campaign literature with any other candidate or slate.
  3. Independent candidates have the option of declaring a campaign manager.
  4. Independent candidates will have the word “Independent” follow their name on the ballot.

B. Slate

  1. Candidates may decide to seek A.S. office as an affiliated group. Such groups are referred to as “Slates”.
    a. Tickets for President/Vice President are not considered slates, but may choose to run as part of a Slate.
  2. Each slate may designate one individual who will serve as the “Slate Manager.”
  3. A slate must declare a formal name, which will be used throughout the duration of the campaign.
    a. Slate names must be approved by the Chair of Elections and with consultation from both Election Advisors.
    b. Slate names must be filed as part of the Slate’s official application to run.
    c. Slate applications must include the names of each person to be considered part of the Slate, the formal name of the Slate, and listing an optional Slate Manager.
    d. Candidates who fail to file a Slate Statement by the close of filing will not be permitted to campaign as a slate or appear on any literature or the actual ballot as a slate.
    e. Slate names may not include “Independent” or “Independents”.
  4. Candidates running as part of a formal Slate will have their slate name follow their name on the ballot.

C. All candidates, as well as campaign/slate managers, are advised and encouraged to consult with the Chair of Elections and Elections Committee throughout the general elections process.

IX. Campaign and Publicity

A. General Policies

  1. All student activities related to elections must be in accordance with both the A.S. Elections Code and all university policies and procedures.
  2. The Elections Committee will distribute the MIC statement of current policies and procedures to all candidates at a mandatory candidates meeting. It is the responsibility of the candidate to be knowledgeable of what can and cannot be done during the election period. Any questions should be posed to the Chair of Elections or Elections Committee advisors.
  3. All campaign materials are subject to review and approval by the Chair of Elections and the MIC.
  4. No publicity may be intentionally distributed inside campus buildings, except within classrooms or club meeting rooms during candidate presentations.
  5. Candidates may make classroom presentations with permission from the class instructor or club president.
    a. No campaign materials or publicity may be intentionally left or displayed in the room after the presentation. It is the responsibility of the candidates/slate to ensure none is.
  6. A “no-campaigning” zone exists 40 feet from every outside polling station, A.S related event and the Associated Students offices.
    a. Candidate/Slate information flyers as well as clothing publicizing any candidate/slate are included.
  7. Student clubs and organizations may promote candidates in any form.
    a. All campaigning must conform to the applicable campus policies and procedures.
    b. This provision does NOT apply to academic departments and campus businesses.
  8. Posting and Distribution: All posting and distribution of materials, billboards and other materials will be done in accordance with current university guidelines and policies.
    a. Failure to follow posting and distribution rules may result in disqualification.

B. Debate

  1. All candidates for A.S. President and Vice President, and only those candidates, will be required to participate in a debate to be administered by the Elections Committee.
    a. Time, place and format for the debate will be determined by the Chair of Elections.
    b. The Chair of Elections shall moderate the debate and be present throughout it.
    c. The format of the debate shall be determined by the Chair of Elections in consultation with the Elections Committee. The Committee may consult with the candidates in determining the format if they choose.
    d. No representatives shall be allowed to speak on a candidate’s behalf.

X. Voting

A. Balloting

  1. Voting in A.S. Elections is limited to current members of the A.S. corporation as designated in the A.S. Constitution, Article III, Section A.
  2. Any student who is a member of Associated Students and has more than one major in different academic Colleges is allowed one vote in each of the respective College Senate races.
  3. Membership in the CSUN Associated Students is determined upon presentation of proof of enrollment for the current semester.
  4. Prior to each general election, the Elections Committee will prepare and publicize (subject to approval by the A.S. Senate) a statement of policies and procedures regarding the use of a third-party provider for online voting.
    a. The statement will include the method of preparation for official ballots, the security of ballots before and after general elections, and the method for counting ballots including the determination of the outcome of a run-off election through Instant Run-Off voting procedures.
    b. The A.S. Senate will have the authority to approve the online, third-party provider for elections based on consultation with the Chair of Elections and A.S. Manager for Student Leadership and Productions.
    c. If for any reason the online voting system ceases to work during the general election, voting may be terminated at the discretion of the Chair of Elections after consultation with the Elections Committee and both Election Advisors. A new online election date would then be scheduled within two (2) calendar weeks of the first election. All results from the first election would be null and void.
  5. Elections results may be obtained by the Chair of Elections following the close of voting. The Chair of Elections, A.S. Coordinator for Information Technology, the University Advisor to Elections, and the A.S. Manager for Student Leadership and Productions may be in the room while the computer results are being pulled.
  6. Election results shall be announced by the Chair of Elections at the Elections Reveal event held directly after the close of the official election period.
  7. Unofficial election results will be posted as available:
    a. Outside the A.S. Student Leadership Office
    b. Online at www.csun.edu/as
    c. Electronically via email to the Daily Sundial.
  8. Each Spring semester candidates from the USU Election may also be placed on the A.S. Elections ballot.
    a. The University Student Union is responsible for notifying the Chair of Elections a list of USU candidates for the ballot within twenty-eight (28) calendar days (four weeks) prior to the date of election.

B. Results

  1. A majority (50% +1) of the votes cast for the A.S. President/Vice President, or any referenda, recall, special or initiative legislation, or constitutional amendment are required to win the election.
  2. All other offices will be decided by a plurality vote.
  3. In the event of a tie in any race, the Instant Run-Off procedure will be used to determine a winner.
  4. The Chair of Elections will submit a summary of the unofficial election results at the first A.S. Senate meeting, along with a summary report from the University Advisor to Elections. When the A.S. Senate has accepted these two reports, the elections results will then be considered “official”.

C. Voting Stations

  1. The Elections Committee, will annually prepare procedures for the establishment, security and publicizing of Voter Stations, as well as whether voting compatible devices will be made available.
    a. Dates, times and locations of Voting Stations, including any hours when voting compatible devices will be available, will be part of the recommended procedures.
    b. Voting Station information must be included in the general elections calendar each spring.

D. Club Competition

  1. To assist in increasing voter turnout, the Chair of Elections shall manage a competition in which clubs/organizations can win a monetary prize.
    The amount of this prize will vary each year in accordance with the Elections Budget allocated in the Annual Allocation Process.
  2. Filing:
    a. Prior to each general election, the Chair of Elections, with the assistance of the Elections Committee, will:
    i. Establish timelines for applicant clubs and organizations to file an online application form.
    ii. Announce and publicize an open filling period of at least ten (10) business days (two calendar weeks).
    b. Clubs and Organizations shall be deemed eligible for the competition if:
    i. They are a university-recognized organization.
    ii. Have an account in good standing with A.S. Accounting.
  3. A section with the eligible Clubs will be placed on the ballot after all election candidates to give voters the opportunity to vote for a club or organization.
    a. Voters can only vote for one organization per ballot.
    b. The top three clubs who receive the most votes shall be declared the winners
    c. The prizes shall be distributed in a proportion of 3:2:1 to 1st:2nd:3rd places; respectively.
    i. Funds will be disbursed to the Club’s Account under the name of the winner.
  4. Campaigning/Distribution of Materials for Club/Organization Competition:
    a. All posting and distribution of materials, billboards and other materials will be done in accordance with current university guidelines and policies.
    i. Failure to follow posting and distribution rules may result in disqualification.
    b. All relevant guidelines and regulations regarding campaigning and publicity as specified for candidates apply for clubs and organizations registered as part of the club competition.
    c. No campaigning or distribution of materials may occur within 40 feet of any polling station or the Associated Students office.

XI. General Elections Finance

A. General Policies

  1. The Chair of Elections, in consultation with the Elections Committee, will explain the purpose and proper use of the Statement of Financial Disclosure form to all candidates, including the possibility of disqualification for not completing the forms as required.
  2. In accordance with the laws of the State of California and the policies of the university, campaign funding may not come from any university department, contracting auxiliary, or from Associated Students funds.
  3. To give the A.S. corporation and its student members a general accounting of campaign finances, each candidate, ticket, and slate will submit a Statement of Financial Disclosure relating to their campaign expenses. This statement shall be filed at the A.S. Student Leadership Office no later than 4:00 pm on the Friday following the last day of voting.
    a. Failure to do so may result in a recommendation to the Senate that the independent candidate/slate/ticket be declared ineligible to hold office.
    b. Candidates must submit the Financial Disclosure form, regardless of whether or not money was spent on their campaigns.
  4. The Statement of Financial Disclosure form must be accompanied by original dated receipts and invoices that account for each campaign cost.
    a. It must disclose all food and beverage items given to campaign workers or to potential voters.
    b. The cost of clothing/apparel, materials, printing/duplicating, prizes, literature, decorations, giveaways, and other associated fees are all required disclosures.
    c. Individual candidate(s)/slate/ticket websites are subject to financial disclosure, including all set-up, maintenance and associated fees.
    d. Monetary donations may be solicited by any student, club/organization, or community member/group.
    e. Monetary donations may not exceed:
    i. Individual $50
    ii. Club/Organization/Community Group $100
    f. A Monetary Donation Disclosure Form outlining the name(s) of the student(s), club/organization(s), or community member(s)/group(s) and the amount they wish to contribute to the Independent Candidate, Ticket, or Slate of their choice must be submitted along with this sheet.
    i. Candidates must submit the Monetary Donation Disclosure form, regardless of whether or not money was spent on their campaigns.
    g. All monetary donations contribute to the maximum campaign expenditure guidelines listed below.
    h. The fair market value of any donation may not exceed the per donation limits listed above.
  5. The maximum campaign expenditures are as follows:
    a. President/Vice President Ticket $500
    b. Slate (Absolute Maximum. Excluding President and Vice President’s campaign expenditures.) $1000
    c. Independent candidates $500
  6. Final approval of the Statement of Financial Disclosure for each individual candidate/slate/ticket shall lie with the Elections Committee. Any forgery of the receipts or information provided on or with the form may result in a recommendation to the Senate that the candidate/slate/ticket be declared ineligible to hold office.

XII. Inappropriate Election Conduct

A. The Chair of Elections and the Elections Committee shall have general authority over the conduct of the elections for this corporation.
B. If any candidate or student observes a candidate, slate, ticket, or campaign team member violating the elections code or university policies and procedures that govern student conduct, they are permitted to report the offense formally (in writing). These codes and policies include, but are not limited to: California State University, Northridge Student Conduct Code

  1. Matador Involvement Center’s General Policy on Distribution of Literature
  2. Matador Involvement Center’s Policy on Posting of Literature
  3. The Associated Students Elections Code

C. Formal complaints will be accepted beginning with the date a candidate files for office through 4:00 pm on the Friday following the last day of voting.
D. Formal complaints must be:

  1. Submitted via the Complaint Form to the A.S. Student Leadership Office or to the Chair of Elections.
  2. Individuals filing complaints shall include their name, contact information, and the code/constitution, as well as the specific amendment or section number that is believed to have been violated.

E. The Chair of Elections, Elections Committee and Advisors will make every effort to resolve any and all complaints or disputes informally. Candidates who run for office are expected to comply with all efforts to resolve complaints informally whenever possible.
F. Failing to reach an informal resolution, the Elections Committee will have the ability to resolve the complaint by any of the following procedures:

  1. The Elections Committee may decide to hold a formal hearing within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving any formal complaint.
  2. The Elections Committee may also decide to dismiss complaints without a formal hearing or to hold a formal hearing at any time up until or at their next regularly scheduled committee meeting.
  3. If the complaint is against the Chair of Elections, that complaint should be filed directly with the A.S. Judicial Court.
  4. The Chair of Elections will notify the Elections Committee, Advisors and candidates involved (or campaign/Slate managers involved) of the date and time of the formal hearing.
  5. Both parties involved in the complaint may present pictures, eye witness accounts, or written statements at the hearing. 10 copies of all paper materials must be brought to the hearing, as an on-site copy service is not available.
  6. Any and all evidence must be brought to the hearing to be considered during committee deliberations. The Chair of Elections will Chair the hearing and make sure that order ensues. If a candidate and/or slate fails to maintain order during a hearing, the Elections Committee has the right to cancel the hearing, or to decide the complaint without the evidence that candidate/slate would have provided.
  7. The candidate/slate making the complaint will have the opportunity to present their complaint and evidence first (along with all their witness statements).
  8. Following the presentation of evidence from both sides, the Elections Committee will have the opportunity to ask questions and gather information from any persons present.
  9. Complainants will not use the elections hearing as an opportunity to question or challenge one another. The hearing is an opportunity for the Elections Committee to gather information on issues pertaining to the complaint in question only.
  10. The Elections Committee may vote at any time to close the hearing and move into closed session for deliberations.
  11. The Elections Committee has the right to impose any or all of the following sanctions against an individual candidate, slate or ticket who is found to have violated the A.S. Elections Code, university policies or procedures concerning student behavior:
    a. Require an individual/candidate/slate/ticket/campaign volunteers to refrain from any/all types of campaigning for a period of at least one hour, not to exceed a period of two weeks, prior to or during the course of an election (including during the hours of voting).
    b. Recommend to the AS Senate that a candidate/slate/ticket be disqualified from assuming office.
    c. Recommend to the A.S. Senate that the Presidential and/or specific Senatorial elections be declared null and void.
    i. A special election would then be held according to the procedure outlined in Article X of the A.S. Constitution.
  12. The Senate will not take action on the recommendations of the Elections Committee if the recommendation has been appealed to the A.S. Judicial Court (pursuant to the guidelines outlined in the Code of the A.S. Judicial Court) .
    a. If the decision is not appealed to the A.S. Judicial Court within two (2) business days, the recommendation will go directly to the A.S. Senate for appropriate action.
    b. If the decision is upheld by the A.S. Judicial Court, the Senate will hear the Elections Committee recommendation(s) at their next regularly scheduled business meeting.

REGULATION:
The Elections Employees shall, in the execution of its responsibilities, uphold the policies of the:

The United States Constitution
The State of California
California State University, Northridge
Associated Students

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:
The parliamentary authority for the Associated Students General Elections Employees shall be the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

ENABLING CAUSE:
This Code shall supersede all Codes on the A.S. Elections Employees passed prior to January 31, 2018.

Approved on: February 19, 2018 (14-0-1)