UMSU Annual Election 2026

UMSU Annual Elections 2026
7–11 May 2026

Note: This page is about the UMSU annual elections, to be held in September. If you’re looking for the UMSU International election, see: UMSU International Annual General Election 2026.

The UMSU annual elections will be held from 7–11 September, 2026. We expect to give formal notice, and open nominations, on Monday 27 July 2026.

This year’s elections will be held as an electronic attendance poll. This means that voters will vote on electronic tablets at designated polling places on campus. This mode of delivery is in accordance with a decision made by UMSU’s Electoral Tribunal under the Electoral Regulations.

Polling places will be open on the Parkville, Southbank and Burnley campuses. Students based at other campuses, and students who are unable to attend a campus with a polling place during election week, will be entitled to apply for a secure off-campus ballot.

An electronic attendance election assures voters a private and secure space to consider and cast their ballot. We also hope it will go some way to alleviating complaints about inappropriate pressure to vote, campaigning in colleges and halls of residence, and high-pressure campaign tactics, while still allowing campaigners fair opportunity to put their message to voters.

We are still designing our process and the logistics of the attendance ballot. We will release details of these closer to the election.

Any questions should be directed to the Returning Officer. We particularly welcome feedback on polling places and hours, information provided to voters in advance, management of campaigners near polling places, the deadline for applications for off-campus ballots, and accessibility issues associated with electronic attendance elections.

 

Stephen Luntz
Returning Officer
Above Quota Elections Pty Ltd
returningofficer@union.unimelb.edu.au