Shocking 85% Turnout in Student Council Election – What’s Fueling This Unprecedented Shift?

The University’s Spring 2026 student elections marked a significant milestone, achieving the largest voter turnout in recent years for the Student Council presidential race. A total of **6,924 students** cast their ballots, resulting in **25.62 percent** of the eligible student body participating in the election, as reported on **February 26**. This cycle saw **Michael Mitchell**, a third-year Commerce student, elected as Student Council president, defeating third-year College student **Micah Andrews** by a margin of **234 votes**, with Mitchell securing **3,579 votes** to Andrews’ **3,345**. Mitchell won with **51.6 percent** of the final vote under a ranked-choice system.

This turnout represents a remarkable increase compared to previous years; in **2025**, the Student Council presidential race saw only **11.99 percent** participation, down from **17.68 percent** in **2024** and **19.27 percent** in **2023**. Historically, the Student Council elections have attracted the highest participation rates compared to other positions in the Spring University Board of Elections, which include numerous roles across student governance organizations.

The University Board of Elections (**UBE**), a student-run organization functioning under special status, was responsible for overseeing these elections held from **February 24-26**. This year's ballot featured over **80 positions**, including elections for Student Council executives, Honor Committee and University Judiciary Committee representatives, as well as School Council positions.

According to **Abby Nickelson**, UBE Chair and fourth-year College student, the increased voter turnout can be attributed to various factors, including candidates’ platforms and broader University dynamics. “While UBE strives to raise awareness of student elections through various marketing efforts, we believe that engagement is driven largely by candidates’ platforms, broader University dynamics, and national political trends,” Nickelson stated.

Turnout varied widely across different races on the ballot. For instance, **second-year students** participated at a rate of **44.61 percent** in their class council presidential race, while undergraduates from the **Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy** recorded the highest participation at **70.85 percent** for their respective council positions. Conversely, the Graduate Continuing and Professional Studies Student Council representative election attracted a mere **2.95 percent** of eligible voters.

Interestingly, this year's elections took place against a backdrop of institutional turbulence at the University. Former University President **Jim Ryan** resigned on **June 27** under pressure from the Justice Department. Following this, the Student Council passed a vote of no confidence against the University Board of Visitors in **August**, citing concerns about stakeholder representation in the presidential search. Additionally, **Governor Abigail Spanberger** called for the resignation of five Board members and appointed ten new members on **January 17**. Just days before the student elections, **191 faculty members** urged for a restart of the presidential search.

Nickelson also pointed out that the absence of referenda—a measure that often drives voter turnout—may have concentrated students' attention on the contested races, particularly the presidential race. “For the first time in several years, there were no referenda on the ballot. Recent referenda have captured significant student attention—such as Honor multi-sanction and Apartheid Divest. Thus, the absence of referenda may have focused students’ attention on contested races,” she noted.

Nickelson emphasized the importance of voter turnout in UBE's ongoing efforts. “Increasing voter turnout will always remain an essential component of our delegated function within the University, regardless of the benchmark,” she said. The organization aims to maximize participation each year through various initiatives, including in-person tabling, social media engagement, and partnerships with local businesses and Contracted Independent Organizations on Grounds. Nickelson confirmed that UBE plans to continue these successful programs in future election cycles.

In a statement to **The Cavalier Daily**, University Spokesperson **Bethanie Glover** reinforced the importance of student engagement in self-governance. “The University is firmly committed to student self-governance, which has long been a defining feature of the U.Va. experience,” Glover commented. “We’re grateful for the continued work of the University Board of Elections and all their peers in encouraging discussion, driving voter participation, and promoting self-governance as students prepare to become the next generation of leaders.”

This year's Spring elections successfully filled dozens of positions across the Student Council, year-specific, school-specific, Honor, and University Judiciary Committee roles. For comprehensive results and historical data, students can refer to the UBE website.