Busting the Myths! Most students avail of, or benefit from, a Studentsâ Union service every day. Whether itâs having a pint in Sult or getting help appealing an exam result, the Studentsâ Union plays a bigger part in studentsâ lives than most students realise. However, many students are not aware that the Studentsâ Union is a democratic organisation and that it is run by ordinary students who are elected each year. Here are a few myths and misconceptions about running in an election and being a Studentsâ Union Officer. âYou need to have been involved in the Studentsâ Union before you can run in an electionâ No you donât! Many Studentsâ Union officersâ election campaign is their first involvement in the Studentsâ Union. Full training and handover is provided to ensure you get up to speed before you start. âIâm not popular enough to winâ It is not about popularity! You have the same time as everybody else to engage with students. Students will vote if they are motivated to vote. Itâs up to you to provide ideas that will motivate them. Hard work trumps popularity in any election. âYou have to spend a fortune on a campaignâ Not true! The electorate will respond better to honest hard work than ostentatious gestures. Most candidates print posters and flyers, and with a little time spent contacting printers, youâll be surprised what you can get for your money. Use your materials wisely and you will keep your costs to a minimum. Think about what clubs and societies do on societies day. A few packs of cheap lollies can go a long way to breaking the ice with potential voters.
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