Procedures and Regulations

York College Student Government Association (SGA) 2026-2027 Election

Introduction

• Hey, York Cardinals! Have you ever wanted to be the voice of change on campus? Do you have ideas to make student life better? Well, now’s your chance!
• The Student Government Association (SGA) is YOUR voice at York College! As an SGA member, you’ll have the power to advocate for students, plan campus events, gain leadership experience, and yes—there’s even a stipend!
• What You Need to Know:
  ✔Be enrolled at York College for at least one semester
  ✔ Have a 2.3 GPA or higher
  ✔ Take at least 6 credits (undergrad) or 3 credits (grad)
  ✔ Commit to serving for a full academic year
• Running for SGA is your opportunity to make a difference, grow as a leader, and connect with your peers! But first, you need to submit your Candidate Interest Form by Friday, 3/6/26 at 5 PM! No Exceptions!
• This is Your time, Your voice, and Your SGA! Get involved, take the lead, and make a difference at York College! Let’s Go, Cardinals!

SGA Elections Calendar of Events

Eligibility Criteria

• Full-time undergraduate students must carry a minimum of 12 credits in the semester during which they are seeking election.
• Part-time undergraduate students must carry a minimum of 6 credits in the semester during which they are seeking election.
• Graduate students must carry a minimum of 3 credits in the semester during which they are seeking election.
• To run for election and continue to serve each semester, a student must have completed and earned passing grades in at least 50% of the credits (Note: Credits, Not Courses) for which they have registered in the prior semester, but in any event no less than 3 credits.
• Any student who has filed an application for graduation is not allowed to run in the 2026-2027 SGA Election.

^{Please Note: During the academic year, if an SGA member becomes ineligible or resigns; their seat shall be awarded to the candidate who obtained the next highest number of votes in their respective category.}

Departmental Senator vs. Senator-At-Large

• Students must decide whether they intend to run as a Departmental Senator or as a Senator-At-Large when filling out the Candidate Interest Form.  The declared major, as specified by the official record of the Office of the Registrar, will be used to determine the department under which the successful candidate for the Departmental Representative will run.
• Any candidate seeking to run as a Departmental Senator is encouraged to verify with the Office of the Registrar to ensure that the proper major has been declared. This should be done prior to completing and submitting the Candidate Interest Form.  Under NO circumstances may a candidate’s status or major be changed after the form is submitted.
• Candidates who wish to run as a Departmental Senator can ONLY have students with that specific declared major vote for them in the election. 
• Departmental Senators must be full-time students and Senator-At-Large can be part-time or full-time students.
• Senator-At-Large can have anyone (from any major) vote for them in the election. 

Campaigning

All candidates must conduct individual campaigns:

• Each candidate may only distribute their own campaign materials (e.g., electronic media, flyers, or any other materials) and campaign only for themselves
• Candidates are not permitted to form groups or slates
• Candidates can campaign via their social media platforms, phone calls, emails, outreach in their classes, and the Cardinal App
• Candidates should only use their campus issued email address
• All campaign literature  must be in English.
• All campaign materials posted must be approved by Student Activities in AC-M08. This must be done before mass production of materials.  Violations will result in election materials being removed.
• Campaign literature may be posted only on bulletin boards.  Banners may be hung only from railings with the use of rope or string.  § §No campaign literature may be mailed to students’ home addresses.
• No campaign literature may be distributed prior to the official start of the Campaign Period on Monday, 3/16/26 - Friday, 3/27/26 & Monday, 4/13/26 - Friday,  4/17/26
• All materials must be taken down after Election Day. 
• The use of any duplicating or digital equipment purchased with Student Activity Fees or auxiliary Enterprise monies are prohibited.
• The use of bullhorns or any sound amplifiers is prohibited for campaigning inside the Academic Core Building or other buildings on campus.
• Rallying or demonstrating in classrooms, hallways, the library, or lounges is prohibited.
• No negative campaigning against another candidate is allowed.
• Student candidates may campaign in any classroom, virtual or live, only at the discretion of the faculty.

Campaign Violations

Any alleged violation of the campaign regulations (during campaigning or voting) may be submitted, in writing, to the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) before the close of polls on the last day of elections.

Complaints should be submitted to the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) via StudentAffairs@york.cuny.edu

The complaints shall include the following information: 

• The name(s) of the alleged violator(s)
• Time, date, and place of violation
• Nature of the violation with details pertaining to election regulations and supporting evidence
• Name(s) of complainant(s) and witness(es) with phone numbers and email addresses
• The accused violator(s) will be entitled to rebuttal at a hearing before the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC).
• Any candidate who fails to comply with the election regulations shall be subject to disqualification after the mechanism for alleged campaigning violation has been followed and a conclusion has been determined.
• Any person(s) found to be in violation of the election regulations will have their candidacy voided.

Procedures

Procedures for dealing with Voting Irregularities, Campaign Violations, Disqualifications of Candidates, and Invalidation of an Election and Ties

1. Proper written allegations of improprieties or campaign violations must be received by Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) by the close of polling on Wednesday, 4/22/26  - 12pm
2. The candidate(s) must be notified of an open hearing that shall include members of the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) and the candidate(s).
3. .If called by the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC), witnesses will be permitted to testify.
4. If a member of the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) is a witness or filing violation charges, that person must recuse themselves from serving on the hearing panel.
5. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the CUNY Bylaws section 15.2(d).

• At the conclusion of the hearing, the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) shall vote in a closed session on the retention or disqualification of the candidate(s) involved.
• If the voting irregularity involves tampering with the online voting process, and if the result of the number of votes is close enough for the irregularities to possibly make a change in the outcome of the election, then the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC) must investigate the online election process from its beginning to determine its validity.
  - A decision of invalidation will result in a new election being scheduled as soon as possible. 
  - The President of the College will determine whether the current Student Government will remain in office until the completion of the new election.
  - No new candidates will be accepted for a new election.
  - Campaigning may take place at a time designated by the Student Elections Review Committee (SERC)
• In the event of a tie, electronic ballots will be employed in a special run-off election.
• If there are no contested races and/or fewer candidates than open positions, all candidates will be elected by acclamation. 

Voting process for 2026 – 2027 SGA Election

• Voting will take place electronically through Qualtrics from 12:00 AM on Monday, 4/20/26 to Wednesday, 4/22/2026 - 12pm. 
• There are thirty (30) open seats to be filled on Student Government Association (SGA).  Students will be able to vote for up to 30 total candidates.
• Declared majors may also cast one vote for a Departmental Senator, If and only if, the department of their declared major has a candidate on the ballot.
• Voting for Senators-At-Large: students may cast votes for the remainder of seats available.

Questions

Any questions concerning these regulations should be directed to:

Dr. James Salnave
AVP/Dean of Students
Student Affairs 
jsalnave@york.cuny.edu