Judicial Decision No. 001-2025

Clarification on Student Organization Election Procedures

CASE: Student Organization Election Procedures Clarification
PETITIONER: CAC Broadcasting Club
DATE DECIDED: January 25, 2025
CHIEF JUSTICE: Patricia Lim
ASSOCIATE JUSTICE: David Chen

Background

The CAC Broadcasting Club petitioned the Judicial Committee for clarification regarding constitutional requirements for student organization elections, specifically concerning nomination procedures, campaign periods, and voting methods.

Issues Presented

1. What are the minimum constitutional requirements for student organization elections?
2. Are electronic voting methods permissible under current regulations?
3. What constitutes adequate notice for election proceedings?
4. What appeal procedures are available for election disputes?

Constitutional Analysis

Issue 1: Minimum Election Requirements

HELD: Student organization elections must comply with the following minimum requirements:

• Nomination Period: Minimum 7 days for candidate nominations
• Campaign Period: Minimum 5 days for active campaigning
• Voting Period: Minimum 1 full day (8 hours) for voting
• Supervision: At least one Student Government representative must observe the process

Issue 2: Electronic Voting Methods

HELD: Electronic voting methods are permissible provided that:

• The system ensures voter privacy and ballot secrecy
• Adequate security measures prevent tampering or fraud
• A paper backup or audit trail is maintained
• Technical support is available throughout the voting period

Issue 3: Notice Requirements

HELD: Adequate notice requires:

• General Notice: 14 days advance notice to all organization members
• Specific Notice: 7 days notice of exact voting procedures and locations
• Public Posting: Notice posted in prominent locations and official channels
• Digital Communication: Notice sent via official email and social media

Issue 4: Appeal Procedures

HELD: Election disputes may be appealed through:

• Internal Review: Organization’s internal dispute resolution (3 days)
• Student Government Review: Petition to SG Judicial Committee (7 days)
• Final Appeal: Appeal to College Administration (14 days)

Reasoning

The Student Government Constitution establishes principles of democratic participation and fair representation that must be reflected in all student organization elections. These requirements ensure:

• Equal opportunity for all candidates
• Informed decision-making by voters
• Transparent and accountable election processes
• Adequate recourse for addressing disputes

Guidelines for Implementation

Student organizations conducting elections must:

1. Submit election timeline to Student Government 21 days in advance
2. Provide candidate information to all members
3. Ensure equal campaign opportunities for all candidates
4. Maintain detailed records of all election procedures
5. Report results to Student Government within 48 hours

Precedential Value

This decision establishes binding precedent for all future student organization elections and shall be cited in the Student Government Election Procedures Manual.

Conclusion

Student organization elections are fundamental to democratic participation within our college community. These standardized procedures ensure fairness while respecting organizational autonomy.

Order

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. All student organizations must comply with these election procedures
2. The Student Government shall provide technical assistance for implementation
3. These guidelines take effect for all elections scheduled after February 1, 2025
4. A comprehensive Election Procedures Manual shall be published within 30 days

DECIDED this 25th day of January, 2025.

PATRICIA LIM
Chief Justice

DAVID CHEN
Associate Justice