Student Officer Elections
Your Voice. Your Choice. Your Union.
At JMSU, Student Officer Elections are your chance to shape the future of our university. By standing as a candidate or casting your vote, you help build a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive student community. Whether you want to improve wellbeing, champion equality, or drive positive change, elections give you the platform to lead with integrity and impact. Our process is open, supportive, and designed to ensure every student’s voice is heard and respected, so you can help shape the JMSU you want to see.
Countdown to Nominations Opening
Ready to Make a Difference?
Nominations open on 20th January — be the voice that represents your fellow students. Whether you want to nominate yourself or encourage a friend who would make a great leader, this is your chance to shape the future of JMSU.
Please explore the tabs/links below to find out more about the roles and what’s involved.
- Why Stand for Election?
- Roles Available
- Quiz: Find Your Best Role
- How the Elections Work
- Election Timeline
- FAQs
What Are the Elections?
Student Officer Elections are your chance to choose (or become!) the leaders who shape the student experience at LJMU in the next academic year.
The Student Officers you elect represent students all LJMU students, lead key initiatives, and drive change on issues like cost of living, wellbeing, course quality, events, and inclusion.
What Roles Can You Run For?
SU President
Lead the student union, represent all students, and make big-picture decisions for the university community.
VP Activities
Organise events, clubs, and societies. Build community and make student life vibrant and inclusive.
VP Education
Improve academic experiences, advocate for learning quality, and ensure fairness in teaching and assessment.
VP Wellbeing
Support student wellbeing, safety, and inclusion. Focus on mental health, welfare, and overall student support.
Officer Role Match Quiz
Why Stand for Election?
Make a real impact
Improve issues that matter to you.
Build leadership skills
Develop confidence and public speaking.
Boost your CV
Gain professional experience recognised by employers.
Paid full-time roles
Turn your passion into a career.
Represent your community
Shape policy and priorities.
Training + full support provided
You’re not doing this alone.
How the Elections Work
Explore the steps that bring our elections to life.
1. Learn About the Roles
Read the role descriptions and other resources.
2. Nominate Yourself
Submit your nomination form when applications open.
3. Get Elections Ready
Attend the Candidate Briefing, we’ll give you training and support.
4. Campaign & Engage
Speak to students, share your ideas, be creative.
5. Students Vote
Voting opens across campus — every vote counts.
6. Results Announced
Celebrate with us at the Results Night.
20 January – Nominations Open
Nominations officially open for all eligible students.
13 February – Nominations Close
Final deadline for submitting nomination forms.
25 February – Candidate Briefing
Mandatory briefing session for all confirmed candidates.
23 March – Voting Opens
Students can begin voting online.
26 March – Voting Closes
Last day for students to submit their votes.
27 March – Results Announced
Election results are released to the student body.
Election Myth-Busting
No experience needed
Fact: Enthusiasm beats experience — full training and support are provided.
Being an officer takes too much time
Fact: Officer roles are a full-time job for one year starting in July. Depending on your studies, you can take a sabbatical year and return afterward. If you're a postgraduate, we can support you to work around final deadlines.
You don’t need to be fearless
Fact: Officers come in all personality types — we’ll help you grow.
Campaigning costs money
Fact: Campaigning is completely free. We provide resources, a campaign budget, print credit, and guidance throughout the election period.
No huge friend group needed
Fact: Students vote for ideas, not popularity.
You must be a final-year student to run
Fact: Students in any year of study can run. You can take a sabbatical year to be an officer and then return to your studies — that’s why some officers are called “Sabbs”.
Past Officer Impact
See some of the amazing things previous officers have achieved.
Improved Mental Health Support
Introduced new wellbeing workshops and extended counselling access for students.
Campus Sustainability Plan
Expanded recycling points and created a sustainability volunteering programme.
Academic Improvements
Secured longer library opening hours during exam season.
Better Student Community Events
Expanded student-led events and funded new cultural societies.
FAQs
Who is Eligible to Nominate?
LJMU students who have student status on Friday 13th February 2026 are eligible to nominate themselves in the elections. Student status will be confirmed with the university before candidates are approved.
Students that are eligible to stand are outlined in the membership byelaw. This role is based in the UK and students must have the right to work in the UK prior to nominating. If a student is unsure on whether they can stand, please contact elections@ljmu.ac.uk.
If you have any concerns or questions, you are welcome to email the elections team for further clarity or support.
How do I nominate myself?
Can I nominate someone else?
What if someone else has nominated/recommended me?
If someone else recommends you there is no expectation for you to submit a nomination. You will be contacted to say someone thinks you have the skills and passion for the role and will receive information on how to nominate yourself if you wish.
Who is R.O.N?
R.O.N stands for ‘Re-Open Nominations’. A vote for R.O.N means that you don’t think any of the candidates are right for the role. If R.O.N gets the majority vote we will re-open nominations to find more suitable candidates.
I want to run but I know my friend is also running for the same role – how do I manage this?
You are supported throughout the Elections process. We encourage positive campaigning and have seen many great interactions between candidates – we even host a mini celebration for candidates after voting is over to celebrate everyone’s efforts throughout elections.
I am a Committee Member – how do I Endorse a Candidate?
I am interested in two different roles – how do I pick which role to nominate myself for? Can I run for both?
We suggest completing the quiz and reviewing role descriptions. You can contact the Elections team for questions. You cannot stand for two roles. If you submit more than one nomination you will be asked to choose a role, as you can only stand in one role. You have up until the end of the nomination period to decide though.
What happens if I change my mind and want to withdraw from Elections?
You can withdraw from Elections at any time. You need to contact the Elections team. They are there to offer support and make sure your withdrawal is the right decision.
What are the expectations of me as a candidate?
This could connect to a Candidate Information checklist after the Candidate Briefing so that candidates have clear guidance on responsibilities and expectations throughout the process.
