ELECTIONS

This SGA Organization Chart for 2023-2024 illustrates the positions that are available and more information is listed in the first two tabs below. A recorded information session for students who are considering running for an elected position will be made available for Atlanta and Perimeter College students. It will share more about the duties and requirements of each position. 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.

Candidates must meet student leader requirements as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and follow the Election Code contained in the Bylaws. Once the candidates’ eligibility to run for an office has been confirmed, they will be required to view a Mandatory Candidate Orientation and obtain a score of 80% on the post-orientation quiz.

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.

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.
Election Commissioners (4)	The Election Commissioners’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Serve as the administrative heads of the six campus election processes and have charge over all personnel/volunteers working within and alongside their commission. Remain impartial to any candidates or parties participating in the election. Administer and set provisions for special elections, where provided for in the Election Code, Bylaws, or Student Government Constitution. Organize all necessary materials and coordinate all personnel for the efficient and prompt execution of the campuses’ General Election. Ask the SGA Advisor, when necessary, for advisory opinions on election code procedures and policy. 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. The Commission shall also ensure that proposed constitutional amendments will contain in their entirety the proposed changes and the existing sections of the Constitution, certify elections and campaign materials as prescribed in the Election Code. The Election Commissioners shall assist the Chief Election Commissioner in preparing the 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 Advisor 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 Election Journal shall be published online and viewable by the public. 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. After final approval by the University-Wide Election Commission, an official list of all the qualified candidates will be made available to the public. After final approval by the Election Commission, an official list of all the qualified candidates will be made available to the public.
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 (starting on page 44) of the Bylaws.

Complaints and supporting documentation should be submitted here.

Complaints
The Election Complaint Journal is available in SGA's Google Drive.

Election Results

The Student Government Association held a general election for the 2023-2024 executive and legislative candidates on April 3 - 6, 2023. The results, with 69 votes cast, are available below. Detailed results are available here.

Congratulations to the incoming officers:

SGA President (University-Wide): Zayvion Sheppard

SGA Executive Vice President (Atlanta): Jasmine Cox
SGA Executive Vice President (Alpharetta): Deborah Murray
SGA Executive Vice President (Dunwoody): Daanyal Pesnani

College of Arts & Sciences Senators:

Alannis Ellis
Casey Purser
Nathan Brown
Sa’Real McRae

College of the Arts

Carter Riddett
Delisa Hardnick

College of Nursing & Health Professions Senators:

Zainab Badmus

Robinson College of Business Senators:

Eriore Adeoluwa

The individuals above will be sworn into their positions on Monday, May 8 at 1:30 p.m. in Speaker's Auditorium in Student Center East on the Atlanta campus.

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 vacancies for the Atlanta campus and this form for vacancies on the Perimeter College campuses.

Nominees to fill vacancies will need to be confirmed by their respective senate or the University-Wide Executive Committee if their campus does not yet have a senate. The first round of confirmations will take place immediately after the SGA Awards and Inauguration Ceremony on Monday, May 8.

Election Timeline

The schedule below is for the Spring 2023 election activity. All dates are subject to change.

Day	Date	Time	Event	Location
Mon.	Feb. 6		Applications for the Election Ballot are available!	Via this PIN form
Wed.-Fri.	Feb. 15-17	2:30 p.m.	Information Sessions on elected positions are available	SC West 266 and Hybrid
Fri.	March 3	Midnight	Deadline to submit application and headshots to appear on the Election ballot	Use both linked forms
Weds.	March 8		Applicants are notified they are approved for Spring Ballot if qualified	Via Email
Tues.	March 21	7 p.m.	Mandatory Candidate Orientation Session	Via MS Teams
Thur.	March 23	4 p.m.	Deadline to successfully complete the Mandatory Candidate Orientation Session iCollege Quiz	Via MS Teams
Thur.	March 23	By 5 p.m.	Election Commission will post a sample ballot	Via MS Teams
Fri.	March 24	By 5 p.m.	Election Commission will post the approved ballot and send to The Signal	Sample Ballot
Sat.	March 25	12:01 a.m.	Election campaigning may begin	All campuses
Mon.	March 27	12:01 a.m.	Apps. available for Communications & Finance Directors, Senate Clerk, and elected position vacancies on all campuses	Via this PIN form TBA
Wed.	March 29	7 p.m.	SGA Election Town Hall hosted by The Signal with a reception immediately after	SC East Speaker's Auditorium and Livestream
Mon.- Thu.	April 3 - 6	All Day	Spring Election Voting (voting ends at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 6)	Online/PIN
Fri.	April 7	11:59 p.m.	Deadline to submit regular election complaints	Via the PIN Election Complaint form
Mon.	April 10	By Noon	All election results are finalized and announced
Fri.	April 14	11:59 p.m.	The priority deadline for Communications & Finance Directors, Senate Clerk and elected position vacancies	Atlanta Campus Perimeter College
Mon. - Fri.	April 17 - 21	11:59 p.m.	Interviews for Communications & Finance Directors, Senate Clerk and elected position vacancies on all campuses.
Mon.	May 8	1:30 p.m.	Awards & Inauguration Ceremony	Student Center East Speaker's Auditorium

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

Sample Ballot for 2023-2024

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 Monday, April 3 - Thursday, April 6 at 11:45 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. Monday, April 3, 2023 – Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 11:45 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.

Available Positions

Executive Positions

President	Serves as the official representative of the student body in university matters and oversees the University-Wide Executive Committee (the six executive vice presidents and the Atlanta Communications Director).
Executive Vice President	Administer and coordinate the duties of the Campus Executive Committee (speaker of the Senate, communications director, and finance director) in accordance with the SGA Constitution and Bylaws and the president’s requests.
Speaker of the Senate	Serves as the speaker of the Senate, votes in cases of a tie in the Senate, and serves as a voting member of the Campus Executive Committee.
Finance Director Not an elected position, but appointed by each campus's executive vice president	Serves as the chair of SGA's Budget and Finance Committee and as a voting member of the Campus Executive Committee. See Appointed Positions for qualifications and responsibilities.
Communications Director Not an elected position, but appointed by each campus's executive vice president	Serves as the chair of SGA's Public Relations Committee and as a voting member of the Campus Executive Committee. The Atlanta Communications Director also serves on the University-Wide Executive Committee. See Appointed Positions for qualifications and responsibilities.

Judicial Positions

The Student Government Association Judiciary (SGAJ) is the judicial branch of the Student Government Association (SGA). Student Justices confirmed by the University-Wide Senate may serve on the SGA Judiciary for the entire duration of their enrollment, as defined by the Student Code of Conduct, at Georgia State. The SGAJ has the authority to interpret the SGA’s constitution and bylaws. The jurisdiction of the SGAJ is explained in the SGA Constitution and Bylaws.

Chief Justice

Serves as spokesperson for the SGAJ, organizes and presides over regular meetings of the SGAJ, organizes a campus-wide recruiting process for new Associate Justices and shall preside over the impeachment hearings of any SGA Senate.

Associate Justices (4)

Serve on SGAJ and other committees as designated by the Chief Justice, arrange their schedule to assure attendance of mandatory meetings and all scheduled hearing proceedings, shall be familiar with the resources required to perform position duties (i.e., SGA Constitution, SGA Bylaws, etc.), ensure a fair and impartial deliberation on cases presented at the hearing and must provide written notice of resignation from the SGAJ to the Chief Justice.

The application to serve on the SGAJ is available in the Panther Involvement Network here.

Legislative Positions

Senators are voting members of the Senate and make up the legislative branch of SGA. Senators serve on various University Senate and SGA Committees. Senators represent the following colleges and schools at Georgia State University:

Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (1 Undergraduate, 1 Graduate)
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions (1 Undergraduate, 2 Graduate)
College of the Arts (2 Undergraduates)
College of Arts and Sciences (12 Undergraduate, 1 Graduate)
College of Education and Human Development (1 Undergraduate, 1 Graduate)
College of Law (2 selected by the Student Bar Association)
J. Mack Robinson College of Business (6 Undergraduate, 1 Graduate)
Perimeter College (6 per campus, but only 14 total are appointed to serve on the University-wide Senate)
School of Public Health (1 Undergraduate, 1 Graduate)

Once elected as a senator from an academic college, Atlanta campus senators are nominated from within the Senate and elected to chair each of the following committees.

Academic Affairs	Committee responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, faculty and course evaluations, degree program requirements and curriculum, academic standards, testing methods, academic advising and course selection, student access and success, student support services, academic policies and honor codes, University Libraries, Enrollment Services and other academic programs, services and policies offered through the Division of Academic Affairs and Provost.
Government & Community Affairs	Committee responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, civic engagement activities, interactions with Georgia State Government and Community Affairs personnel, local and state representatives, and any other outside entity in concert with the SGA President.
Student Engagement	Committee responsibilities shall include but are not limited to, residence life and housing, student media, leadership programs, development, student discipline, student health and wellness, students’ rights and civil liberties, and any other student programs, services, and policies offered through the Division of Student Affairs.
Student Services	Committee responsibilities shall include but are not limited to, Student Center, parking and transportation services, University Information Technology, University Public Safety and Campus Police, Campus Services, budget and planning, plant operations and facilities, and any other administrative programs, services, and policies offered through the Division of Administration and Finance.

Perimeter campus senators (six per campus) are appointed by their respective executive vice presidents to chair one of the following committees:

Academic Affairs	Work to build positive relationships with Academic Affairs faculty and staff. Educate and build student awareness about academic policies and procedures.
Government Affairs	Coordinate voter registration drives fall, spring, and summer semesters. Educate and inform students on internal and external government issues relative to students. Build awareness about governmental processes that affect student access to higher education.
Spirit & Sustainability	Coordinate opportunities for students to build school spirit and campus unity.
Clubs & Organizations	Coordinate and preside over the Inter-Club Council (ICC) for recognized student organizations. Coordinate and host council meetings with clubs and organizations. Promote student success by providing opportunities for clubs and organizations to share event calendars. Provide pertinent information to clubs and organizations. Represent the interest of clubs and organizations to the Senate. Track club and organization events and attendance. Serve as a referral agent to clubs and organizations. Assist in the registration and renewal process of clubs and organizations.
Student Engagement	Foster student success by implementing goals to resolve student concerns on campus. Construct, write and present resolutions of support for SGA initiatives. Create, administer and compile student satisfaction surveys. Host campus forums to probe and address student concerns. Work to foster positive relationships between students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Student Services	Promote teamwork by building positive relationships between student services administrators, students, and staff. Educate and build student awareness about student services policies and procedures.

For election information, issues or concerns, please contact the Student Government Association office at 404-413-1600.

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