Information for Candidates
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.
- 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.
- Executive Chair candidates must obtain endorsements from at least 20 students.
- Faculty Director candidates must obtain endorsements from at least 10 students from their faculty.
- Current DCSA staff must take a leave of absence during the election period and resign upon election.
The nomination period runs from February 2, 2025, to February 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Candidates must submit a completed nomination form through the online portal or in person at the DCSA office.
All candidates are required to attend the All-Candidates Meeting on February 25, 2025. Failure to attend or make alternate arrangements will result in disqualification.
- Campaigning begins on February 27, 2025, 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
- Slates & Affiliations: Candidates may not campaign as a group, cross-endorse, or share resources.
- Prohibited Conduct: Candidates must not harass, discriminate, obstruct election processes, or use the DCSA or Durham College logo/colors.
- Voting Days: March 11-13, 2025
- Voting System: Online via Simply Voting
- Ballots:
- Executive Chair: Voted on by all full-time post-secondary students.
- Directors: Voted on by full-time post-secondary students within the respective faculty.
- 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: $0.05 per eligible voter (Minimum: $50, Maximum: $200)
- Preapproved Expenses:
- Social media ads
- Website costs
- Expense Reporting: Receipts must be submitted by March 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
- Failure to submit a financial statement: Results in penalties, including disqualification.
Successful candidates assume office on May 1, 2025. The Secretary of the Board will coordinate the transition process.
This guide is a summary of 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 February 20, 2025, 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.
Positions include Executive Chair and Directors for each faculty. A full list is available in the Candidate Guide.
No, only full-time students are eligible.
The Executive Chair serves as the chief elected officer of the DCSA, representing the student body, overseeing executive functions, chairing board meetings, and advocating for student interests at Durham College and beyond. Full responsibilities are outlined in the Candidate Guide.
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 February 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM after approval of materials by the Chief Returning Officer (CRO).
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.
No, candidates must campaign independently. Slates, shared resources, and cross-endorsements are prohibited.
Voting questions
Voting takes place from March 11 to March 13, 2025.
Voting is conducted online through Simply Voting. Eligible voters will receive an email with a unique voting link.
Students may only vote for the Executive Chair and the Director representing their faculty.
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 March 13, 2025.
Elected candidates assume office on May 1, 2025.
In the event of a tie, the CRO will conduct a recount. If the tie remains, the winning candidate will be determined by drawing lots.
Campaign finances questions
Yes. The spending limit is $0.05 per eligible voter (minimum $50, maximum $200).
Yes, but only for approved expenses. Candidates must submit receipts and an expense report by March 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
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 CRO may issue warnings, campaign restrictions, financial deductions, or disqualifications 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 four days of receiving a decision by submitting an appeal to the Election Compliance Oversight Committee (ECOC).