Why the 2026 Student Government Elections Could Change Everything—Is Your Vote at Risk?

Staff

1 day ago · Updated 1 day ago

As the winter 2026 semester kicks off at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), students are gearing up for a pivotal moment: the upcoming student government elections. The current leadership team, which includes the president, vice president, and senators, will conclude their terms, in accordance with the Student Government constitution and bylaws. This transition presents an opportunity for new voices to emerge in student leadership.

According to the EMU Student Government constitution, "Student Government is an independent, student-run organization established to further Eastern Michigan University students' rights while working with the university." This highlights the dual role of the organization as a service entity aimed at addressing the various needs of the student body.

The budget allocated for the 2026 fiscal year stands at $150,000, as confirmed by Leigh Greden, co-adviser to Student Government and chief of staff for EMU President James Smith. Greden noted that the budget fluctuates based on each year's student enrollment, indicating a direct link between student numbers and available funding.

Voting in these elections is open to all currently registered students, with each student entitled to one vote. In the previous election held in 2025, a total of 644 votes were cast. This participation level suggests a growing interest among students in influencing their governance.

The structure of the student government has evolved since the establishment of the Student Senate in 1914. The current framework consists of an executive branch, which includes the president and vice president, as well as a legislative branch that allocates one senator for every 1,000 students enrolled in the preceding fall semester. Additionally, up to five delegates can be appointed to represent various constituencies. The legislative branch is further divided into three committees: Internal Affairs, Business and Finance, and Student Services.

The administration of student government elections is overseen by an election commission, which includes an election commissioner, five students, and a student government advisor. Recently, the Senate voted on November 4, 2025, to appoint Max Butler, the Director of Internal Affairs, as the 2026 election commissioner. In a follow-up email sent on December 9, 2025, Butler indicated plans to undergo additional training for the role in January, ensuring that the election process is managed effectively.

One of the key responsibilities of the election commissioner is to establish the timeline for elections. President Jack Booth confirmed that the official timeline for the 2026 elections will be published on the election website by February 1, 2026, as mandated by the Student Government constitution. Although the specific dates are yet to be finalized, the bylaws outline a structured sequence of events leading up to the election.

The election timeline is as follows:

Event	Date	Notes
Verbal campaigning	Ongoing	Defined as any spoken campaigning.
Electronic campaigning begins	First day of the Winter Semester	Involves using email, texts, websites, or social media.
Candidate applications available online	No later than 21 days before active campaigning	Candidates may start collecting signatures earlier. The number of available Senate seats will also be posted.
Application submission deadline	Seven days before active campaigning at 5:00 PM
Candidate meeting	No later than three days before active campaigning	A second meeting is required if an executive write-in candidate emerges.
Active campaigning begins	Thirty days before voting	Defined as using printed or written materials for campaigning.
Write-in candidate application deadline	Ten days before voting	Must receive at least 50 votes to be elected.
Candidate Forum	No later than seven days before voting begins	At least one debate is required.
Publication of candidate list	No later than three days before the election
Campaign finance submission deadline	5 PM the day before voting
Voting begins	Last consecutive Wednesday of March	No later than 8 AM.
Voting ends	Last consecutive Thursday of March	No sooner than 8 PM.
Grievance filing deadline	48 hours after voting ends
Candidate spending report release	No later than 14 days after the election

Students intending to run for office must submit an application and meet several requirements. This includes attending at least one Senate meeting and gathering signatures from currently registered students: 300 for presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and 50 for senatorial candidates. The ballot will feature randomized names for all positions, ensuring a fair process. Election results will be counted by the student government advisor and the election commissioner, who will also validate those results.

Moreover, the governing documents provide a pathway for constitutional amendments and referenda to be placed on the ballot, allowing the student body to express their opinions on relevant issues or advocate for changes in policy.

The EMU Student Government offices are located in Room 342 of the Student Center. Students can reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-487-1470 for further inquiries related to the elections or student government initiatives.