Find out more about our Referendum and check out our FAQs below.

 

A referendum (plural = referenda) is a direct vote in which all full members of the Union are asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal on a range of questions put forward by students at Solent. Students are usually asked to vote “yes” or “no” to a particular question; the outcome of which shapes the Students’ Union, ensuring that it is student-led. Brexit is an example of a referendum at a national level.

 

A referendum at Solent Students' Union is triggered by one of three ways, as stated in our bye laws. In this instance, a petition has been submitted by at least 150 full members, which we have verified is valid. Students have submitted this petition as they want to create change at Solent, and want to put the issue at hand to all student vote.

 

Elections are one of our democratic process' to decide who will be your elected representatives for an academic year on a whole range of issues, spanning educational representation to uplifting liberation groups voices. There can be a number of candidates standing for several positions who each have their own manifestos and reasons to create change.

 

Referenda is, some would say, simpler. There is two campaign teams, one for 'Yes' who want to vote in favour of the question above, and one for 'No', who don't want to vote in favour of the question. Each campaign team shares the same opinion, materials and resources. Further there are only three options in a referenda, 'Yes' 'No' or 'abstain'.

 

Voting will take place between November 2nd and November 6th.

 

You will be able to vote here, or you can come and find one of our pop-ups and we will have voting stations ready for you.

 

You will be able to apply to become a campaign here. You will need to nominate yourself for the correct team under the 'Yes' or 'No' positions. If you have questions, come speak to us in the office or email us as elections@solent.ac.uk.

 

If we reach a quorum (a required number of votes) we will review the results and whatever the outcome, that will become the policy and position of the SU, which will work towards on your behalf.

If we do not reach quorum, then our sabbatical officers may still chose to work on this issue however the SU would not be required to work on this motion.