Voter's Guide
Elections Notices
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Candidate Information

To qualify as a candidate, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a full-time student of Durham College registered in a post-secondary program within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be in good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA) and non-academic standing with Durham College.
  • Not be deemed ineligible due to financial, legal, or disciplinary restrictions.
  • Current DCSA staff must take a leave of absence during the election period and resign upon election.
  • You must be registered in at least two semesters during the 2026/2027 academic year.

The nomination period runs from May 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to May 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Candidates must submit a completed nomination form through the online portal or in person at the DCSA office.

  • Campaigning begins on June 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM and must adhere to the following regulations:
  • Academic Activity: Candidates may campaign in class with the instructor’s permission.
  • Social Media: Candidates may campaign on approved platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and websites). Disappearing content (e.g., Snapchat) is prohibited.
  • In-Person Campaigning: Candidates may campaign on campus while respecting Durham College’s policies.
  • Posters:
    • Maximum size: 17” x 11”
    • Placement: 20 posters at Oshawa Campus, 10 at Whitby Campus
  • Prohibited Conduct: Candidates must not harass, discriminate, obstruct election processes, or use the DCSA or Durham College logo/colours.

  • Voting Days: June 9-12, 2026
  • Voting System: Online via Simply Voting
  • Ballots:
    • Voted on by full-time post-secondary students within the Faculty of Health Science.
  • Prohibited Conduct on Voting Days:
    • Candidates must remain 30 feet away from voters.
    • No personal electronic devices may be used to facilitate voting.
    • No coercion, loud amplification, or viewing of ballots is allowed.

  • Spending Limit: $100.00
  • Preapproved Expenses:
    • Social media ads
    • Website costs
  • Expense Reporting: Receipts must be submitted by June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
  • Failure to submit a financial statement Results in penalties, including disqualification.

Successful candidates assume office on June 22, 2026. The Secretary of the Board will coordinate the transition process.

This guide summarizes election policies. Candidates are responsible for reviewing the full Elections Policy and following directives issued by the Chief Returning Officer.

For more information, visit: mydcsa.ca/elections

General questions

Any full-time student enrolled in a post-secondary program at Durham College who meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the Candidate Guide is eligible to run.

Candidates must submit a completed nomination form before May 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Forms can be submitted in person at the DCSA office or through the online portal. Further details are available in the Candidate Guide.

The position being elected is the Director from the Faculty of Health Science.

No, only full-time students are eligible.

Faculty Representatives serve as the voice of students within their specific faculties, working to address student concerns, liaising with faculty administration, and participating in DCSA board meetings. Detailed responsibilities are found in the Candidate Guide.

Campaigning questions

Campaigning starts on June 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM after approval of materials by the Secretary of the Board.

Yes, but only on approved platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube). Campaigning via disappearing content (e.g., Snapchat) is not permitted.

Yes. Candidates may not campaign within 5 meters of DCSA offices, at DCSA-sanctioned events, or in areas where campaigning disrupts normal college operations.

Voting questions

Voting takes place from June 9-12, 2026.

Voting is conducted online through Simply Voting. Eligible voters will receive an email with a unique voting link.

Only students within the Faculty of Health Science can vote for this director position.

Candidates must remain 30 feet away from voters while they are casting their ballots. Using personal devices to facilitate voting is prohibited.

Results are announced shortly after voting closes on June 12, 2026

Elected candidates assume office on June 22, 2026.

Campaign finances questions

Yes. The spending limit is $100.00 for this position.

Yes, but only for approved expenses. Candidates must submit receipts and an expense report by the deadline.

Donations must be disclosed to the CRO and included in the financial report. Donated materials count towards the spending limit at fair market value.

Election rules questions

The Secretary of the Board may issue warnings, impose campaign restrictions, assess financial deductions, or disqualify depending on the severity of the violation.

Candidates may be disqualified for severe infractions, including:

  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Exceeding the spending limit
  • Tampering with the election process
  • Soliciting interference from outside entities
  • Using prohibited campaign methods (e.g., bribery, alcohol, or cannabis)

Yes. Candidates may appeal within 4 days of receiving a decision by submitting an appeal to the Standing Committee.