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Elections

General Rules (Applicable to Both Special and General Elections)

Filing Process:

Current UTEP students may file for elections by completing the following:

  1. Submit an application via MineTracker. Prospective candidates must file before April 10, 2026.
  2. Attend the mandatory Candidate Information Session. If a candidate cannot attend, they must meet with the SGA Supreme Court prior to Elections Week. The Candidate Information Sessions will occur during the week of April 13 to April 17, 2026. Multiple sessions (at least two) will be held during this week. 

Positions Available:

  • General Election:

    • President
    • Vice-President of External Affairs
    • Vice-President of Internal Affairs
    • Senator at-Large (18)
    • Collegiate Senators (8) from: Liberal Arts, Engineering, Science, Business, Health Science, Nursing, Education, and Graduate programs.

  • Special Election:

    • Specific positions will vary depending on vacancies at the time of the election.

Campaign Regulations:

Election Infractions:

  • Students can submit a Violation Complaint Form if they believe election policies are not being followed. All complaints must be submitted before the end of the election period.

Endorsements:

  • Each registered student organization may endorse only one candidate.
  • Candidates may receive as many endorsements as desired, and endorsements must be submitted through the proper channels.

Expenditures:

  • Campaign expenditures are limited to $100.00 for all candidates

Additional Information:

  • Only currently enrolled students may vote.
  • All candidates and election procedures must follow University Policy and the SGA Election Code.

Unique Aspects for General Elections:

  • The general election typically involves a full set of positions for the upcoming academic year.
  • Election week occurs once annually and allows students to vote for a wide range of positions.
  • Terms of office begin on June 1 and end on May 31 of the following year.

Unique Aspects for Special Elections:

  • Special elections are conducted to fill vacancies that arise between general election cycles.
  • The positions available in special elections are typically limited to those vacated, and terms may be shorter than those for general elections.

This structure applies to both special and general elections, with specific details and dates announced before each election.

Election Requirements and Responsibilities

Post-Election Process:

  • Financial Summary Form: Candidates must submit a Financial Summary Form by the Friday of election week to ecommission@utep.edu.
  • Campaign Material Removal: All campaign materials must be removed within 48 hours after voting ends. Failure to do so may result in the disposal of materials and potential sanctions.
  • Acceptance of Senate Seat: Victorious candidates must accept their Senate seat at Union East 304 by the week following the election. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the seat.

Duties and Responsibilities of Elected Officials:

By joining the Student Government Association (SGA), officers and members are expected to fulfill the following duties:

  1. Attend Weekly Meetings: Senators are required to be present for all Senate meetings, which typically occur on Thursday evenings.
  2. Constituent Engagement: Senators must actively represent and maintain communication with their constituents, ensuring they advocate for their needs and concerns.
  3. Participate in SGA-Sponsored Events: Attendance is required for all SGA-sponsored events, including:
    • Student Government tabling
    • Campus-wide community service projects
    • Mandatory events and retreats
  4. Follow the SGA Governing Documents: All officers and senators are responsible for upholding the duties and standards outlined in the UTEP Student Government Association Constitution and Bylaws.
  5. Committee Involvement: Senators are required to serve on a Senate standing committee, a Senate ad-hoc committee, and must attend all regular committee meetings.

Terms of Office:

  • Elected Term: Begins at a determined date following the election and concludes on May 31 of the academic year.
  • Regular Term: Starts on June 1 and ends on May 31 of the following academic year.

Additional Election Information:

  • Only currently enrolled students are eligible to vote.
  • All candidates and election processes must comply with University Policy and the SGA Election Code..

*The release of results will all depend if there are any Violation Complaint Forms and/or appeals submitted to the SGA Supreme Court.