Union Elections
The Union of Students is a democratic organisation to represent the students of the University of Derby. To do this, we have to elect students into officer and representative positions with specific tasks in order to best represent our members.
The elections are organised so that any student can stand for election and vote for who they want to see represent them throughout the year. These elected students will then lead the Union of Students on behalf of every member of the Union and coordinate our work and direction.
There are three main stages to the elections – the Nominations period, the Ratification period, and the Voting period.
- During the Nominations period any student can put themselves forward to fill the roles.
- During the Ratification period students who have nominated themselves will attend a meeting held by the Union to enable them to understand the rules of the election, and to be officially confirmed as a candidate. It is after Ratification when candidates will prepare their campaign materials and begin their campaign.
- During the Voting period all students can vote on the Union website. Candidates will spend the voting period canvassing for as many votes as possible.
Where can I find out more?
Any official enquiries, feedback, or questions can be made to elections@derbyunion.co.uk which will be picked up by our elections team and directed to the best person to help.
All complaints against candidates should be formally lodged on our complaints form, including all information regarding the issue(s).
Email an Enquiry/Question
Complaint against Candidate
Election Results
We have made the difficult decision to delay announcing the Main Election results due to ongoing investigations by the Elections Team. We will be in touch to let everyone know when these are resolved and when we're able to announce the successful candidates.
Thank you for your patience,
The Union of Students
Elections Timeline
Monday 17th November 2025
Nominations Open and students can apply to run in the election.
Friday 6th February 2026
Nominations Close at 9.00am, no further people can be added to the election.
Friday 6th February 2026
Ratification Meeting confirms which candidates are running.
Monday 9th February 2026
Voting Opens and students can cast their vote for each position.
Monday 9th February 2026
Voting Launch Event in the Atrium at Kedleston Road.
Thursday 12th February 2026
Voters Fayre in the Atrium at Kedleston Road.
Friday 13th February 2026
Voting Closes and the counts begin!
Friday 13th February 2026
Results Announced
Election Rules
As a Union, a basis of fair and democratic elections is fundamental. Our comprehensive election rules and governance help us to run elections and are a must-read for candidates.
Voting and Counting
Almost all Union elections use the Single Transferrable Vote system, to allow fairer and more democratic results. If you're only used to First-Past-The-Post elections such as in General Elections it's worth understanding how STV works.
Who's RON?
Sometimes you may not want to cast a vote or abstain. But sometimes you may want to actively vote against some (or all) of the candidates. A RON vote allows you to to express your preference if you are actively against candidate(s).