R.O.N.

R.O.N (Re-Open Nominations) is a choice on your ballot that gives you more choice in the elections. If you feel that none of the candidates running for a position are the right match, you can choose to vote for R.O.N instead.

You can also use R.O.N if you believe only some candidates are suitable for the role; this depends on your adding R.O.N to the correct preference position on your voter ballot.

Why does R.O.N exist?

R.O.N is included to help keep elections fair, competitive, and reflective of what students actually want. Its presence on the ballot gives students a way to say:

• “These candidates aren’t quite right – let’s open the role again.”
• “This position matters, but I’d like to see more people apply.”
• “I’m happy to lend my vote to these candidates, but I would rather have nominations reopen than these other candidates potentially winning”

What happens if R.O.N wins?

If R.O.N receives the most votes in an election, that election is reopened. The Students’ Union will then promote the role again and encourage more students to put themselves forward.

When should you vote R.O.N?

You may decide to vote for R.O.N if:

• You feel that none of the candidates are suitable for the role.
• You want a wider or stronger pool of candidates.
• You think the position should be filled, but not by the current options.
• If you support some of the candidates but have concerns about the others, and would rather see nominations reopened than another candidate, or multiple other candidates winning.

What shouldn’t R.O.N be used for?

• If you simply dislike a single particular candidate, vote for the other candidates instead.
• If you’re unsure who to support – take some time to get to know candidates and reading their manifestos.

How to use R.O.N in different scenarios

• If you feel that none of the candidates are suitable, you can rank R.O.N as your first preference. In a Single Transferable Vote system, this means your vote immediately counts toward reopening the election rather than supporting any of the listed candidates.
• If you support one or a handful of candidates but believe the remaining candidates are unsuitable, you can rank your preferred candidates first, in order of preference, and then place R.O.N directly after them. This ensures your vote transfers to R.O.N if all of your preferred candidates are eliminated, preventing your vote from supporting candidates you do not feel are appropriate for the role.

Take a moment to reflect on what you consider “unsuitable” for the role. Personal preference is different from genuine concerns about a candidate’s ability to fulfil the responsibilities. However, it is your vote, and you are entitled to use R.O.N in the way that best reflects your judgment.

Take a moment to think about what “not right for the job” means. Not liking someone is different from thinking they cannot do the job. But it is your vote, and you can use R.O.N in the way that feels right to you.