# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling - Breach of the Privacy in Voting Rule

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling - Breach of the Privacy in Voting Rule

# data[].attributes.body
I have received multiple election complaints that a number of the candidates' supporters are breaking the rule on allowing students to vote in private including interfering in a student’s vote up to and including touching students’ phone to vote for them. This is against the following rule:

3.12       All candidates must respect that every student has the right to vote confidentially and freely. Once a student has opened the digital voting platform (ie begun the process of voting), no candidate or campaigner should make any attempt to influence, intimidate or interfere with their decision or voting devices in any way. If a voter needs assistance with voting then campaigners should refer them to polling station staff, the Welcome Desk of the Students’ Association or to the Deputy Returning Officer.

I have looked into these allegations and have received several videos and photographic evidence of the candidate's supporters influencing students in the process of voting.

As per our election rules and explained at Candidates' Briefing, candidates are responsible for their supporters' actions. The rule states:

2.2 Candidates must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters’ actions comply with the election schedule and rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of an election complaint against them.

I find that this is a major breach of the election rules.

The candidate is sanctioned the following:

1. Disqualification from the elections

The candidate can appeal this decision and was informed of the process for appealing which is outlined in the elections rules:

5.5 Where a complainant is dissatisfied with the response they have received to their complaint, they may request a review of the handling of the complaint by the Returning Officer. This request should be in writing to elections@GCUstudents.co.uk and include why they feel their complaint has been improperly handled and/or what new information has come to light. This email will be forwarded to the Returning Officer. The Returning Officer’s response will either confirm the validity of the original response, or provide details of any further action taken, or to be taken in the future to address any issues raised in the complaint. The Returning Officers response is final.

5.7 Any requests for a review of the handling of the complaint must be made within 12 hours of the original response to the complaint.

# data[].attributes.body
We have been receiving feedback on the rules regarding the use of WhatsApp for campaigning. I’ve spoken to the Returning Officer about this and we have come to the decision to alter the rule for this election period. Here is the current and the revised rule:

Current Rule

3.5         Students personal contact details must not be used for any purpose, other than the purpose for which they were collected by the Students’ Association (including affiliated clubs and societies) or the University and must be used in line with Data Protection policies. With the exception of authorised communications sent by the Students’ Association, existing student email lists (including University email lists), phone numbers and group chat services (ie WhatsApp/Messenger Groups) cannot be used to promote candidates in elections. Candidates can collect students’ information separately to create their own email/phone lists or group chat services for election campaigning.

Revised Rule

3.5         Students personal contact details must not be used for any purpose, other than the purpose for which they were collected by the Students’ Association (including affiliated clubs and societies) or the University and must be used in line with Data Protection policies. With the exception of authorised communications sent by the Students’ Association, existing student email lists (including University email lists) and phone numbers and group chat services (ie WhatsApp/Messenger Groups) cannot be used to promote candidates in elections. Candidates can ask for collect students’ information separately to create their own email/phone lists or group chat services for election campaigning. Candidates must not take phone numbers from an existing WhatsApp Groups  to send students a direct message about their campaign.

So what does this mean in practice? You can now post in any WhatsApp Group. The admin of the group has the right to remove your post and could potentially remove you from the WhatsApp Group. Both of these actions are out with my control as Deputy Returning Officer.  Students’ Association and University staff must remain neutral in the election and so may remove your post.

If you have any questions about this, please see myself

# data[].attributes.body
Welcome to the Elections 2025 DRO update board. Please be aware that rulings made in previous years may have changed to reflect the updated Elections Rules

# data[].attributes.headline
Synopsis of Major DRO Rulings for 2024 Elections

# data[].attributes.subject
Synopsis of Major DRO Rulings for 2024 Elections

# data[].attributes.body
1) Campaigners breaking rules around allowing students to vote confidentially and/or intimidating/influencing students whilst voting.

The rules state:

3.12       All candidates must respect that every student has the right to vote confidentially and freely. Once a student has opened the digital voting platform (ie begun the process of voting), no candidate or campaigner should make any attempt to influence, intimidate  or interfere with their decision or voting devices in any way. If a voter needs assistance with voting then campaigners should refer them to polling station staff, the Welcome Desk of the Students’ Association or to the Deputy Returning Officer.

AND

2.2 Candidates must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters’ actions comply with the election schedule and rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of an election complaint against them.

Sanction: Disqualification from the elections

2) Campaigners breaking rules around allowing students to vote confidentially and/or intimidating/influencing students whilst voting.

The rules state:

3.12       All candidates must respect that every student has the right to vote confidentially and freely. Once a student has opened the digital voting platform (ie begun the process of voting), no candidate or campaigner should make any attempt to influence, intimidate  or interfere with their decision or voting devices in any way. If a voter needs assistance with voting then campaigners should refer them to polling station staff, the Welcome Desk of the Students’ Association or to the Deputy Returning Officer.

AND

2.2 Candidates must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters’ actions comply with the election schedule and rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of an election complaint against them.

PLUS

Expenses were not submitted on time which breaks the following rule:

4.6 All candidates must submit a written list of all campaign costs and corresponding receipts to the Deputy Returning Officer within one hour of the close of polls.

AND

Expense form that was submitted did not contain the full amount spent as there was significant gaps in campaign material from the what was listed on the expense form and what was physically present on campus. This breaks the following election rules:

4.1         Campaigns may not exceed the budget limit set in the Election Rules.

4.2         All candidates for contested Full Time Officer elections may claim back up to £30 of expenses (with corresponding receipts) from the Students’ Association.

4.6         All candidates must submit a written list of all campaign costs and corresponding receipts to the Deputy Returning Officer within one hour of the close of polls.

Together, this is determined to be a major breach of the election rules.

Due to the repeated rule breaches, two of which are major (Voting Privacy/Non-intimidation; Underreporting of campaign spending), the candidate was sanction as follows:

1. No repayment of expenses as they have not been submitted as per the rules

2. Disqualification from the elections

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Clarification (27/02/24) - Discord (social media)

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Clarification (27/02/24) - Discord (social media)

# data[].attributes.body
Discord will be classified as a social media platform (e.g. Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok) as opposed to communications platform (WhatsApp) for the purpose of the FTO elections.

Therefore the social media rule will apply to Discord. Note that the Students' Association does not have an official Discord.

3.2         Candidates and their supporters may use their personal social media accounts for campaigning purposes but posts must not be made to or via any Students’ Association social media accounts, including social media accounts from committees,  groups and networks outlined in the Students’ Association By-Laws. This does not include our affiliated clubs and               societies.

# data[].attributes.body
Welcome to the Elections 2024 DRO update board. Please be aware that rulings made in previous years may have changed to reflect the updated Elections Rules

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling - Breach of Voter's right to privacy and multiple minor infractions of the rules whilst on a Final Warning

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling - Breach of Voter's right to privacy and multiple minor infractions of the rules whilst on a Final Warning

# data[].attributes.body
I have received an election complaint that a member of candidates' campaign team was breaking the rule on allowing students to vote in private including interfering in a student’s vote by using a students’ digital device to vote for the candidate without the student’s consent. The rule says:

3.12 Once a student has opened the digital voting platform (ie begun the process of voting), no candidate or campaigner should make any attempt to influence or interfere with their decision in any way. Students are entitled to vote in private. For the avoidance of doubt – “helping” a voter or “showing them how to vote” will be regarded a breach of the rules. If a voter needs assistance with voting then campaigners should refer them to polling station staff, the Welcome Desk of the Students’ Association or to the Deputy Returning Officer.

I have looked into this allegation and have received detailed, first-hand accounts from the affected student as well collaborating CCTV footage of this incident.

As you are aware, candidates are responsible for their campaigners action as per the following rule.

2.2 Candidates must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters’ actions comply with the election schedule and rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of an election complaint against them.

I find that this is a major breach of the election rules.

In the course of investigating this, I summoned the candidate to come and meet with me. They did not follow this direct order and thus were in breach of the following election rule:

2.5 All candidates should attend the Candidate’s Briefings (Full Time Officers and GCU London Officer elections only) and any further meetings called by the Returning or Deputy Returning Officer. If a candidate misses important information by choosing not to attend a briefing they will still be expected to comply with all Election Rules.

Additionally, I have not received their expenses for the election which breaks the following election rule:

4.6 All candidates must submit a written list of all campaign costs and corresponding receipts to the Deputy Returning Officer within one hour of the close of polls. If candidates have not spent any money on their campaign they must make this clear in their submission at this time.

Additionally, I have been informed by a member of GCU London Staff that the candidate did not follow their direction in the hanging of posters, which is in breach of this election rule:

2.6 Candidates must at all times act as directed by University staff and raise any concerns directly with the Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer.

Lastly, I have evidence of the presence of campaign material from the candidate in Caledonian Court which breaches this election rule:

3.7 Once voting has opened, no campaigning may take place on Level 2 of the Students’ Association Building, on level 2, 3 or 4 of the GCU Library, in computer labs, Caledonian Court or any area specifically designated by the Returning Officer or Deputy Returning Officer. Campaigning includes but is not limited to posters, flyers, banners and wearing campaign t-shirts.

This is in addition to the major breach of election rules that was issued to the candidate on 24 February 2023 for which they received the following sanction:  Final Warning: Any further rule breaches, major OR minor, will result in disqualification from the elections

Due to the repeated rule breaches, two of which are major, and the fact that the candidate in on your final warning I sanction the candidate the following:

1.       No repayment of expenses as they have not been submitted as per the rules

2.       Disqualification from the elections

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling - Campaign Budget Overspend (09/03/23) 

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling - Campaign Budget Overspend (09/03/23) 

# data[].attributes.body
Three candidates submitted expenses that were more than £10 over the allowed spend of £50.

The candidates have each been sanctioned a deduction of £5 from their reimbursable expenses (e.g. £50) for each £10 that they are over the budget

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling - Campaigning before allowed (09/03/23) 

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling - Campaigning before allowed (09/03/23) 

# data[].attributes.body
I have been informed and provided evidence that a candidate was campaigning before the official campaign kick off date. The election rule on this states:

3.1 Candidates are not allowed to campaign for votes or launch their manifesto until seven calendar days before voting opens.

I find this to be a minor breach of our election rules.

The sanction for this rule breach is as followed (and given the lateness this rule breach came to light)

1.       Candidate informed of the minor breach of the rules

# data[].attributes.body
A candidate has been found to be in breach of the following rule:

3.9 Campaign material must not use the Students’ Association or GCU logo, as this would give the impression that the Students’ Association and/or the University endorses the content of that campaign material. You may share posts that originate from the Students’ Association or GCU social media accounts on personal social media sites.

Candidates may not use the GCU logo or the Students' Association logo in their campaign material.  This is to ensure that the promotional material does not give voters the impression that either GCU or the Students' Association has endorsed a candidate.

I've also clarified this rule with another candidate about the use of photographs that feature GCU buildings with the logo on their promotional material. I find that this does not give a sense of endorsement so is permissible  under this rule. For example, if one was photographed outside a Greggs with the Greggs sign in the background, that does not give the impression that one is being endorsed by Greggs.

Also note that other logos may come under copyright protection so it is best to ask before using any logos that are not your own.

# data[].attributes.body
Removal of election material by someone other than the candidate or their team.

A GCU student was found in breach of the following election rule.

3.11        Candidates and campaign teams may only alter, move or remove their own campaign publicity. Campaign methods which damage or deface surfaces may not be used, such as stickers,chalk and permanent markers. After the close of voting, we encourage candidates to remove and recycle publicity material.

They have been told to cease and desist this activity and have been referred to the university for consideration of a possible breach of Student Code of Conduct.

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Clarification - Costs/Expenses (02/03/23)

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Clarification - Costs/Expenses (02/03/23)

# data[].attributes.body
All printouts on GCU printers will incur the going rate charge from the university on the type of print they are printing regardless if they have free print credits. The cost for printing can be found here: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/currentstudents/support/it/printing

Furthermore, there are no "mates rates" allowed in the election. If you are sourcing something it must be at the current going rate available to the general public.

Remember all candidates have a £50 campaign budget limit that will be reimbursed by the Students' Association at the completion of the election. Do keep note of your spends and get ready to hand in an expenses claim sheet no later than the close of election

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Glasgow Caledonian University | Scotland, UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are various printers located throughout the campus. These guides are designed to answer any questions you may have. Unless stated otherwise, all printers are filled with A4 recycled paper.

Black and white (mono) print jobs can be viewed and released from any printer.

Colour print jobs can be viewed and released from ONLY the floor standing colour printers.

Where are the printers?

Secure release printers can be found at the following locations:

Colour devices are indicated in brackets.

Annie Lennox building George Moore building Govan Mbeki building Milton Street building Open access colour secure printers

(M141), M222, (M317), (M541), M608

How much does it cost to print?

Paper is included in the price

What is my print/copy quota?

Your print credit account has two separate quotas:

How do I print?

Black and white (mono) printing Colour printing Printing from personal devices

Print job management

Instructions on logging into the printers is available on posters next to each printer.

The print release system allows you to confirm your print jobs (number of pages, costs etc) before releasing them.

If you have accidentally sent too many pages to print, you can delete your print job from the system. Deleted print jobs will not be deducted from your print credit account.

Your print job will remain in the print queue until you collect it or 12 hours have passed after which time the job will be automatically deleted.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are various printers located throughout the campus. These guides are designed to answer any questions you may have. Unless stated otherwise, all printers are filled with A4 recycled paper. Black and white (mono) print jobs can be viewed and released from any printer.

# data[].attributes.body
A candidate's supporter was found to be in breach of the data protection rule around Students' Association and GCU facilitated WhatsApp Groups. A reminder to all candidate the rule is:

3.5   Students personal contact details must not be used for any purpose, other than the purpose for which they were collected by the Students’ Association (including affiliated clubs and  societies) or the University and must be used in line with Data Protection policies. With the exception of authorised communications sent by the Students’ Association, student email lists   (including University email lists), phone numbers and group chat services (ie  WhatsApp/Messenger Groups) cannot be used to promote candidates in elections.  Candidates can collect students’ information separately to create their own email/phone lists or group chat services for election campaigning.

It was a candidate's supporter who breached this rule but a reminder that this is a leadership election and as such you are responsible for managing your supporters. Here is that rule:

2.2          Candidates must take reasonable steps to ensure that their supporters’ actions comply with the election schedule and rules at all times and must be able to demonstrate this in the event of an election complaint against them.

The candidate was informed of this breach and must direct their supporter to cease and desist from posting in Students' Association/GCU facilitated WhatsApp groups and to remove the post no later than 9am on Friday 3rd March 2023

# data[].attributes.body
A candidate was found to be in breach of the following rule:
3.8          No candidate may use Students’ Association offices, meeting rooms, employee computers or any other resources not freely available to all students for the purposes of their campaign. Candidates’ campaign materials cannot be stored within the Students’ Association Building. To be explicit the Full Time Officers cannot campaign for candidates during working hours.

The candidate was posting digital material that the SA had produced that prominently featured their picture. During the elections, the work of Officers who are active in the election should not be heavily promoted especially if it features them. Officers can continue their representation work but must not use it as a platform to campaign.

The sanction was for them to cease and desist (e.g. stop) from posting this particular image that featured them heavily and to remove the post by 9am tomorrow from places that they have already posted.

# data[].attributes.body
Two candidates have breached the 'No Students' Association Resources for Campaigning Purposes' rule. Update 27/02/23 - To explain this rule further, resources are not just physical, material resources but also access to systems and people that come through holding a position in the Students' Association. A good litmus test for this is: If it is not available to all students, then it may be a Students' Association resource. Come and talk to me and we will explore that.

As a reminder to all candidates the rule is:
3.8 No candidate may use Students’ Association offices, meeting rooms, employee computers or any other resources not freely available to all students for the purposes of their campaign. Candidates’ campaign materials cannot be stored within the Students’ Association Building. To be explicit the Full Time Officers cannot campaign for candidates during working hours.

The sanction is for the candidates to remove all physical and digital publicity no later than Monday at 9am and they have been issued a final written warning due to the major impact on the electorate that would have been experienced.

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Clarification (21/02/23): Use of alternative names on the ballot 

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Clarification (21/02/23): Use of alternative names on the ballot 

# data[].attributes.body
From the elections schedule: 4.3       Alternative name(s) may be submitted on the nomination to be used in the election at the discretion of the Deputy Returning Officer. The candidate(s) may appeal this ruling. If the appeal is not upheld and the name is ruled inappropriate by the Returning Officer than the candidates’ name as it appears in the student record system will be used on the ballot and in promotion of the election by the Students’ Association.

As DRO I am open to alternative names being used on the ballot as long as they do not breach our equality and diversity policy; fit into the space given on the ballot for names; and are in the voters' best interest (e.g. do the voters know who they are voting for).

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Clarification (21/02/23): Campaign teams on social media

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Clarification (21/02/23): Campaign teams on social media

# data[].attributes.body
Candidates may start forming CLOSED (i.e. private) social media groups specifically for their campaign team before the end of nominations. Candidates may not post their manifesto, points from their manifesto or encouragement o vote for them on public social media or groups not explicitly set up for their campaign teams UNTIL the close of nominations (24 Feb 2023 at 12noon)

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Clarification (21/02/23): Music Copyright in Social Media posts

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Clarification (21/02/23): Music Copyright in Social Media posts

# data[].attributes.body
Music copyright is a complex legal area and many social media platforms have huge libraries of music that they have copyrighted for you to use on their platform. They also have sophisticated copyright detection software. Therefore, if you are using a piece of music on social media posts, I will assume it is copyright accessible unless the platform has restricted its use.

# data[].attributes.body
CAMPAINGS MAY START ON MONDAY 27th FEB 2023 at 12:01 AM

Campaigns may start after the close of nomination (Friday 24th Feb 2023 at 12noon) and run until the close of voting (Thursday 9th March at 5pm).

# data[].attributes.body
Welcome to the Elections 2023 DRO update board. Please be aware that rulings made in previous years may have changed to reflect the updated Elections Rules

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling (08/03/2022): Election Expenses

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling (08/03/2022): Election Expenses

# data[].attributes.body
Candidates may not take advantage of any ‘mates’ rates’ or ‘at cost’ deals for any product(s) or service(s) that need to be declared in their election expenses. All purchases must be made using market/ commercial rates that are available to the general public.

# data[].attributes.body
Candidates and their campaign teams may campaign in-person and online throughout the voting period until voting closes at 5pm Thursday 10th March.

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling (04/03/2022): Home Printing Costs

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling (04/03/2022): Home Printing Costs

# data[].attributes.body
At home printing should be calculate using the GCU’s current print price.  The University’s current prices can be found at www.gcu.ac.uk/student/support/it/printing/.

Candidates should note that they won’t be able to claim back any expenses for at-home printing and that they might find a cheaper rate else to print in which they are able to get a receipt to claim back the costs.

# data[].attributes.headline
DRO Ruling (22/02/2022): No Campaign Zones

# data[].attributes.subject
DRO Ruling (22/02/2022): No Campaign Zones

# data[].attributes.body
Once campaigning has opened, no campaigning may take place on Level 2 of the Students’ Association Building, on level 2, 3 or 4 of the GCU Library, in computer labs, Caledonian Court. Campaigning includes but is not limited to posters, flyers, banners and wearing campaign t-shirts.