ELECTIONS
This SGA Organization Chart for 2024-2025 illustrates the positions that are available and more information is listed in the first tab below. The Spring Elections for the 95th administration (2024-2025) have concluded with the results available below.
Students interested in filling a vacant position in the 95th administration can learn more at Vacant Positions. Students interested in applying for one of the appointed positions (Communication Director or Finance Director (one per campus) or the Atlanta Senate Clerk can find out more at Appointed Positions.
For information about the election process and rules regarding campaigning, the Candidate Orientation is available here. Candidates must meet the requirements as outlined in the SGA Bylaws and follow the Election Code contained in the Bylaws available on SGA's PIN profile. Once the candidates’ eligibility to run for office has been confirmed, they will be required to view the Candidate Orientation and obtain a score of 80% on the post-orientation quiz.
Elected Positions
Elected positions are available in the Executive and Legislative branches of Student Government. See the Elected Positions tab in the Get Involved section of the website for details.
Election Commission
The Election Commission exists to supervise and regulate the SGA elections in accordance with the SGA Constitution. The University-Wide Election Commission shall be composed of four Election Commissioners, one of whom is the Chief Election Commissioner, a Vice-Chair for Marketing, and a Vice-chair for Logistics, with at least one of the Election Commissioners coming from a Perimeter Campus and vice versa. The application to serve as an Election Commissioner is available on SGA's PIN Profile and will remain open until all the positions are filled.
Title | Name | |
Chief Election Commissioner |
a. The primary responsibility of the Chief Election Commissioner shall be to execute the provisions of the Student Government Constitution relative to elections and all other provisions of this Code. If a question exists regarding their authority, the Chief Election Commissioner shall petition the designated judiciary in writing to answer a question pertaining to their power. Any such petitions should be recorded and submitted to the University-Wide Senate within one week. Serve as the administrative head of the election process and have charge over all volunteers working within and alongside their commission. b. Remain impartial to any candidates or parties participating in the election. c. Administer and set provisions for special elections, where provided for in the Bylaws, or SGA Constitution. d. Organize all necessary materials and coordinate all personnel for the efficient and prompt execution of the General Election, and all other SGA elections provided for in this code. e. Ask the Election Commission Advisor, when necessary, for advisory opinions on election code procedures and policy. f. Work with the SGA Advisor or their delegate to ensure the correct online posting of ballots, proposed constitutional amendments and any other official publications of the Commission. g. The University-Wide Election Commission shall also ensure that proposed constitutional amendments will contain in their entirety the proposed changes and the existing sections of the Constitution and certify elections and campaign materials as prescribed in the Election Code. h. The Chief Election Commissioner shall prepare a University-Wide Election Journal to be submitted at the end of their term. This journal must give an accurate and detailed description of events and must be submitted to the SGA University-Wide President and ATL Communications Director before the end of finals during spring semester. The journal should include: all complaints and responses to complaints, election results, and any results from the designated judiciary, ideas for upcoming commissions on improving the election process, a draft calendar of events, and any other pertinent information. A copy of the University-Wide Election Journal shall be published online and viewable by the public. i. The authority to expend such funds as appropriated to the Election Commission's use must receive written consent from the Student Activity Fee Business Manager before using funds. j. After final approval by the University-Wide Election Commission, an official list of all the qualified candidates will be made available to the public. k. The Chief Election Commissioner is responsible for making sure the topics to be discussed at the Mandatory Candidate Seminar shall include but are not limited to the following: Election Rules & Regulations, University Policy relating to the election, Election Schedule, Structure and Functions of the SGA, and the duties and responsibilities of the elected officers of the SGA. l. All dates established for elections must be submitted to the Senate, not for approval, but notification purposes. m. The Chief Election Commissioner shall have sole discretion over sanctions given to candidates after a campaign violation is submitted and an investigation concludes. The Chief Election Commissioner must seek advice from at least two other members of the University-Wide Election Commission, but the decision is still up to the Chief Election Commissioner. |
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Election Commissioners (4) To be selected |
The Election Commissioners’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Vice-Chair for Logistics | The Vice-Chair for Logistics shall be responsible for assisting in the planning and execution of debates, reserving rooms for election commission events, and ensuring the organization and execution of a successful election. They are also responsible for auditing the candidates’ campaign finance documentation. | |
Vice-Chair for Marketing | The Vice-Chair for Marketing shall be responsible for advertising and public relations on all campuses. Their goal shall be to encourage qualified individuals to run for office, increase election turnout, make the election known and visible to the student body, advertise election-related activities such as debates or other public forums, and coordinate with the administration to ensure the success of the election. They are responsible for monitoring all social media platforms of candidates on all campuses. Social Media platforms include but are not limited to Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, GroupMe, Twitter, Snapchat, Tik Tok. All election materials and advertisements (including social media groups) must receive approval by the Vice-Chair for Marketing prior to distribution. | |
Election Complaints
All campaigning and election complaints must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of the close of the elections. Such complaints must be filed based on violations that were clearly intended by the person who is being accused and the burden of proving mens rea shall always rest with the accuser. Any Georgia State University student, faculty or staff member may file a complaint subject to the restrictions enumerated in the Elections Code section of the Bylaws (available on SGA's PIN profile).
Complaints and supporting documentation should be submitted here.
Complaints
The 2024 Election Complaint Journal is available here,
Election Results
The Student Government Association at Georgia State University held a general election for the 2024-2025 executive and legislative candidates on March 5-7, 2024. The results, with 301 votes cast, are available below. A detailed breakdown of voting is available here.
Congratulations to the following winners:
SGA President (University-Wide): James Wilson
SGA Executive Vice President (Atlanta): Sarah Forberger
SGA Executive Vice President (Alpharetta): Arya Shah
SGA Executive Vice President (Clarkston): Vacant
SGA Executive Vice President (Decatur): Vacant - Apply Here!
SGA Executive Vice President (Dunwoody): Vishnavi-Abhishikta Bollapalli
SGA Executive Vice President (Newton): Vacant
Speaker of the Senate (Atlanta): Julius Redden
Speaker of the Senate (Alpharetta): Vacant
Speaker of the Senate (Clarkston): Vacant
Speaker of the Senate (Decatur): Vacant - Apply Here!
Speaker of the Senate (Dunwoody): Vacant
Speaker of the Senate (Newton): Vacant
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Senators:
- 1 Undergraduate Senator Vacant
- 1 Graduate Senator Vacant
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health Professions Senators:
- 2 Undergraduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
- 1 Graduate Senator Vacant - Apply Here!
College of the Arts Senators:
- Naj Hughey
- 1 Undergraduate Senator Vacant - Apply Here!
- 1 Graduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
College of Arts & Sciences Senators:
- Kate Adesanya
- Andrew Dantoulis
- Caleb Gustavson
- Michelle Molina-Cuevas
- Malaika Patounas
- Oluwadolapo Thomas
- Nia Webb
- 6 Undergraduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
- 2 Graduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
College of Education & Human Development Senators:
- 1 Undergraduate Senator Vacant - Apply Here!
- 2 Graduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
J. Mack Robinson College of Business Senators:
- Elliott Barthel
- Zaniya Drye
- Jodie-Latisha Kamdoum
- Phoenix Kelly
- 3 Undergraduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
- 1 Graduate Senators Vacant - Apply Here!
Perimeter College
Alpharetta Senators:
- Aleeza Sherwani
- Atif Baig
- 4 Senator Vacancies - Apply Here!
Clarkston Senators:
- Sut Naw
- 5 Senator Vacancies - Apply Here!
Decatur Senators: 6 Senator Vacancies - Apply Here!
Dunwoody Senators:
- Pretty Saeed
- 4 Senator Vacancies - Apply Here!
Newton Senators:
- Elizabeth Osorio
- Shay Johnson
- Yaxkuk Tarin
- 3 Senator Vacancies - Apply Here!
School of Public Health
- 1 Graduate Senator Vacant - Apply Here!
Applications are being accepted for all remaining vacancies not filled by the ballot process as well as applications for Communications Directors and Finance Directors and Senate Clerk, which are appointed using this form for Atlanta and this form for Perimeter College.
The priority review deadline for all positions is Sunday, March 31. Candidates will be interviewed the week of April 1 and selected candidates will be nominated for confirmation by their respective senates the week of April 8. The University-wide Executive Committee will confirm any nominees for positions on campuses that do not yet have a Senate.
Election Timeline
The schedule below is for the Spring 2024 election activity. All dates are subject to change.
Day | Date | Time | Event | Location |
Mon. | Jan. 28 | Applications for the Election Ballot are available! | Via this PIN form | |
Fri. | Feb. 9 | The Candidate Orientation presentation is available for review and study. | ||
Wed. | Feb. 14 | 9 a.m. - Noon | Candidate Interest Meeting/Open House | SGA Office in SC West 270 & Online |
Sun. | Feb. 18 | 11:59 p.m. | Deadline to apply to appear on the Election ballot | Via PIN.GSU.EDU |
Wed. | Feb. 21 | Applicants are notified they are approved for Spring Ballot if qualified | Via Email | |
Sun. | Feb. 25 | 11:59 p.m. | Deadline to successfully complete the Mandatory Candidate Orientation Session Quiz | iCollege |
Mon. | Feb. 26 | By 5 p.m. | The Election Commission will send candidates a sample ballot to verify accuracy. | Via MS Teams |
Tue. | Feb. 27 | By 5 p.m. | The Election Commission will post the approved ballot | Sample Ballot |
Wed. | Feb. 28 | 12:01 a.m. | Election campaigning may begin | All campuses |
Mon. | Mar. 4 | 7 p.m. | SGA Executive Debates and Senator Showcase hosted by The Signal with a reception immediately after | Speaker's Auditorium and Livestream |
Tue.- Thu. | Mar. 5 - 7 | All Day | Spring Election Voting (voting ends at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 7) | Online/PIN |
Fri. | Mar. 8 | 11:59 p.m. | Deadline to submit regular election complaints | Via the PIN Election Complaint form |
Mon. | Mar. 11 | By Noon | All election results are finalized and announced | |
Mon. | Mar. 11 | 12:01 a.m. | Apps. available for Communications & Finance Directors, Senate Clerk, and elected position vacancies on all campuses | Via this PIN form TBA |
Mon. | Mar. 11 - 17 | SPRING BREAK WEEK | ||
Thu. | Mar. 21 | 7 p.m. | SGA 94th Administration Awards and 95th Administration Inauguration Ceremony | Speaker's Auditorium and Livestream |
Thu. | Mar. 28 | 7:15 p.m. | 95th Administration University-wide Senate Meeting (electing representatives to the University Senate and its committees) | MS Teams |
Fri. | Mar. 29 | 7:15 p.m. | Names of SGA officers elected to serve on the University Senate must be submitted | Via Email |
Sun. | Mar. 31 | 11:59 p.m. | The priority deadline for Communications & Finance Directors, Senate Clerk and elected position vacancies | Atlanta Campus Perimeter College |
Mon. - Fri. | April 2 - 5 | 11:59 p.m. | Interviews for Communications & Finance Directors, Senate Clerk and elected position vacancies on all campuses. | |
Mon. - Wed. | April 8 - 10 | UEC and Campus Senate Meetings to confirm vacancy and appointment nominees. | ||
Thu. | April 11 | 3 p.m. | University Senate Meeting with Dr. Blake | Jim Cherry LRC, #1100 |
Thu. | April 11 | 7:15 p.m. | 95th Administration University-wide SGA Senate Meeting and All Officer Training | MS Teams |
Mon. | April 22 | Spring Classes End | ||
Wed. & Thu. | May 1 & 2 | Commencement Ceremonies |
Financial Disclosures
In accordance with Article 11 of the SGA Bylaws, all candidates for SGA offices must file a weekly Financial Disclosure form (that will be available via PIN) from the beginning of the campaigning period until two class days after the validation of the election results. See below for details.
Article 11 – Campaign Finance
Section 1 – Expenditures
A. Candidates for campus-based positions shall not make expenditures totaling more than three hundred dollars ($300.00).
B. Candidates for the President position shall not make expenditures totaling more than five hundred dollars ($500.00).
C. Party expenditures cannot exceed the total of the individual campaigns of its members.
Section 2 – Financial Disclosure
A. Each candidate for office is required to keep accurate and up-to-date records of all campaign receipts and expenditures.
B. Each candidate’s financial records shall display the name and monetary amount of each expenditure. Donated items shall be reported at market value and will be included towards the totals.
C. The Election Commission shall require each candidate to file a weekly Financial Disclosure Statement from the beginning of the campaigning period until two class days after the validation of the election results. The candidates may file their financial records after their purchased service to ensure records are filed the week after the purchased services are completed.
D. These reports shall be public records after a 24-hour review period. Candidates must sign their reports and certify that they are accurate and complete.
E. No candidate or authorized agent shall knowingly falsify any entry on a Financial Disclosure Statement or in the candidate’s financial records associated with the campaign.
F. Candidates sharing benefits of joint receipts or expenditures shall declare them in the appropriate portions of the Financial Disclosure Statement. Each candidate jointly benefiting from receipts or expenditures shall claim an equal share.
G. Any non-Georgia State University organization or entity that is politically affiliated, is strictly prohibited from contributing financially or with in-kind services to any candidate’s or party’s campaign.
Sample Ballot for 2024-2025
A sample ballot is available here. It is to be used prior to the actual ballot that will be available in PIN during the voting period of Tuesday, March 5 at 12:01 a.m. - Thursday, March 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Voting Instructions
Voting for all elected Student Government Association positions on all six campuses is conducted via the Panther Involvement Network beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024 – Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. A listing of candidates will be available from the Sample Ballot. Because SGA has implemented ranked-choice voting, run-off campaigning and voting are no longer necessary. Voters have the opportunity to rank all candidates for each contested race with more than two candidates for one available position.
First time logging into the Panther Involvement Network? If so, when students first log in, they’ll be asked to fill out a User Profile. After submitting a few quick answers, they’ll be redirected to the ballot.
If for any reason this does not happen, simply click on the link to the ballot again!
Ballots for the schools, colleges and campuses are based on the current information from the Registrar’s office. Students whose records haven’t been updated to reflect their current status should email the Election Commission to request a manual change of ballot.
In-Person:
Student Center West
66 Courtland Street
Suite 270
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address:
Student Government Association
P.O. Box 3966
Atlanta, GA 30302-3966
Phone: 404-413-1600
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Communications Director - Carolyn Hardin
Finance Director - Jonclaire Musa
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."
In-Person:
AA Building
Suite 1310
3705 Brookside Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022-4408
Phone: 770-274-5607
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Executive Vice President - Arya Shah
Speaker of the Senate - Apply here
Communications Director - Rajath Nair
Finance Director - Vacant - Aleeza Sherwani
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."
In-Person:
Student Center West
66 Courtland Street
Suite 270
Atlanta, GA 30303
Mailing Address:
Student Government Association
P.O. Box 3966
Atlanta, GA 30302-3966
Phone: 404-413-1600
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Executive Vice President - Sarah Forberger
Speaker of the Senate - Julius Redden, Jr.
Communications Director - Sofia Eraydin
Finance Director - Apply here.
Academic Affairs - Tomi Akinyele
Student Engagement - Oluwadolapo Thomas
Student Services - Apply here.
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."
In-Person:
College Center (CN)
Suite 1400
555 N. Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, GA 30021-2396
Phone: 678-891-3225
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Executive Vice President - Ilaria Bernardi
Speaker of the Senate - Brianna Britton
Communications Director - Hildana Jara
Finance Director - Vacant - Bemnet Nega
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."
In-Person:
Student Center (SC)
Suite 2130
3251 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: 678-891-2741
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Executive Vice President - Vacant - apply here.
Speaker of the Senate - Vacant - apply here.
Communications Director - Vacant - apply here.
Finance Director - Vacant - apply apply here.
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."
In-Person:
Student Center (NB)
Suite 2200
2101 Womack Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Phone: 770-274-5391
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Executive Vice President - Vishnavi-Abhishikta Bollapalli
Speaker of the Senate - Jillian Guye
Communications Director - Kouame Boni
Finance Director - Vacant - Michelle Nekati
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."
In-Person:
Building 2N
Suite 1210
239 Cedar Lane
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: 678-891-2683
E-Mail:
President - James Wilson
Executive Vice President - Elizabeth Osorio
Speaker of the Senate - Shay Johnson
Communications Director - Vacant - apply here.
Finance Director - Vacant - Vacant - apply here.
Want to meet with an officer? Visit "Meet Your Government."