WHAT EVEN IS A STUDENT ELECTION?
It is the chance to select the people who’ll be running your Student Union for the following year and can make lasting impacts at Heriot-Watt! They'll be in charge of organising all the fun and important events throughout the year, improving your campus experience (from academic deadlines to the stuff we sell in our shops) and making sure you know all your rights as a student, so you know how to deal with your terrible landlord or with employers.
Basically, they fight the battles, so you don’t have to (because let's be real, as a student you have enough on your plate!)
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THE ELECTIONS?
You don’t need to be into politics to vote in these elections, and those running aren’t the typical politicians that give you false promises, with the Student Union elections we hold our candidates accountable to their promises.
Student unions exist purely to make YOUR student experience better, not just socially with our events and spaces but academically and all the parts in-between such as our advice hub.
The student union is independent from the uni, we are here to support you when things go wrong or when you need some help as well as the go to place for a good time.
If the elections didn’t take place, then you’d have no Student Union, no affordable food and drink places to escape to after lectures, no weekly pub quizzes, no one fighting your corner for better study spaces or mental health support. The Student Union only works if students like you get involved, we exist for YOU!
So have your say these elections and make sure your union and experience is run by someone great!
WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE?
Because YOUR vote is your voice and that matters. They will define how your uni experience will be and if those in charge will fight for issues that matter to you!
The people you vote for will make decisions that impact your day-to-day life. The Student Union has a lot more power than you might think from funding student societies to lobbying for better support and important issues. So be careful who you give the power to!
When choosing your candidate think “who represents me best?”. These people can influence the university policy, organise events, improve study spaces and make sure your concerns are heard! They turn your ideas into action and reality, they’re basically student superhero's, right?
It only takes a few minutes to vote, do it on the bus, do it on your way to class, do it while you eat your lunch, just do it!
TAKES TWO MINUTES FOR A BIG DIFFERENCE
Voting in the student elections is quick (seriously about two minutes), but it can make a real difference to your university experience.
Keep an eye out next week for candidates campaigning around campus. Stop and chat, hear their ideas, maybe grab a freebie (who doesn’t love a free hot drink or some sweets?) and cast your vote while you’re there.
It’s a simple step that helps shape a better student community for everyone.
And when that elected candidate helps extend a deadline or pushes through a change that benefits students? You’ll be glad you voted.