Elections

Campaign to become a student representative and exercise your right to vote in MPPSA elections.

MPPSA Elections

The MPPSA holds elections twice a year to ensure that every student has the opportunity to get involved in shaping our community. Elections are open, transparent, and student-driven — a chance to represent your peers and make an impact on life at the Munk School.

Election Timeline

  • Fall Elections: First-year students (Y1) run for positions such as Communications Coordinator, First Year Program Advisor, GSU Representative, Academic Functions Coordinator, and Events Coordinator.

  • Winter Elections: Second-year students (Y2) run for positions including President, Program Advisor, Finance Director, Academic Functions Director, and Events Director. The President is always elected first, followed by the remaining Y2 roles.

How to Run

  • Submit a nomination form by email during the nomination period.

  • Accept your nomination and provide a short candidate statement to share with your peers.

  • Campaign fairly — elections are guided by rules that promote respect, neutrality, and accessibility for all candidates.

Voting Process

  • All elections are conducted by secret ballot.

  • Students vote online during the designated voting period.

  • A candidate wins by majority vote; if there’s a tie, a runoff election is held.

Election Oversight

Chief Returning Officer:

  • The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) is an independent role that ensures MPPSA elections are fair, transparent, and accessible for all students. Responsibilities include:

    • Organizing and managing the election process (fall and winter).

    • Reviewing and resolving campaign disputes.

    • Announcing election results once voting is complete.

    • Appointing up to two Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) to assist with logistics if needed.

Deputy Returning Officer(s):

  • Appointed by the CRO, the Deputy Returning Officer(s) (DRO) support the CRO in running MPPSA elections smoothly and fairly. Responsibilities include:

    • Assisting the CRO with the logistics and administration of elections.

    • Helping manage the nomination, campaigning, and voting processes.

    • Supporting the CRO in ensuring rules are followed and disputes are handled fairly.

    • Maintaining neutrality at all times, putting fairness and accessibility first.

Why Get Involved

Running in an election is an excellent way to:

  • Represent your peers and bring their ideas forward.

  • Develop leadership and advocacy skills.

  • Build connections across the program and shape the student experience.