A referendum is a vote open to all students where they are asked to decide on a single question. This might be a straightforward “yes” or “no” choice, or it may offer several options to capture the complexity of the issue.
lent REferendum
The Students' Union Board of Trustees resolved to call a referendum on changes to the SU's Articles of Association. The question wording is: Should the Students’ Union adopt the proposed Articles of Association?
All current student members will have the opportunity to vote on their preference via online secret ballot. Voting will be open at 9am on Monday 23rd February and close at 3pm on Thursday 26th February. The options for both referendums will be YES, NO, and ABSTAIN.
All students are encouraged to look into both sides of each referendum before making their decision and voting. This includes talking to campaign teams and doing your own research.
Question:
Should the Students' Union adopt the proposed Articles of Association?
What this means:
This referendum asks students to decide whether the Students’ Union should adopt a new, updated set of Articles of Association. Voting will determine whether the proposed changes are approved or whether the Union continues operating under its current Articles. The propsed Articles can be viewed here with amendments and tracked changes.
Voting 'YES' means:
If you vote YES, you are agreeing that the Students’ Union should adopt the proposed new Articles of Association.
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The SU would replace its current Articles with the updated version.
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The Union would operate under a clearer, more up-to-date governing document.
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Any changes set out in the proposed Articles (for example, around governance, structure, or legal clarity) would come into effect.
Voting 'NO' means:
If you vote NO, you are saying that the Students’ Union should not adopt the proposed Articles of Association.
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The SU would continue to operate under the current Articles of Association.
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None of the proposed changes would be implemented at this time.
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The existing governance arrangements would stay the same unless new proposals are brought forward in the future.
Campaign Leads:
If you would like to be a Campaign Lead for the YES or NO Campaign please email: chair@cambridgesu.co.uk
Why can a referendum be called?
1. To agree a political or campaigning policy
2. To approve proposed amendments to the SU’s Articles of Association
3. To pass a motion of no confidence in a Sabbatical Officer or Trustee (Sabbatical, External or Student). For the avoidance of doubt, a successful vote of no confidence in a Sabbatical Officer will also terminate their post as a trustee.
4. To approve an affiliation to an external organisation or to disaffiliate from one
How can a referendum be called?
A Referendum may be called on any issue permitted by law by:
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a resolution of the Trustees;
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a two-thirds majority vote of the Student Council; or
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subject to Articles 24.1 and 26.2, a Secure Petition signed or agreed to by at least 2% of the total number of Student Members.
How is a referendum validated?
At least 2,000 student members must vote in a referendum for it to be validated. The referendum result will be decided by simple majority.
How are changes to the Articles of Association different?
A referendum to approve changes to the Articles of Association has a slightly different process. This is set out in Article 7.
What is the purpose of this referendum?
To change Cambridge SU's rules (Articles of Association) so that we are able to better represent students and make it easier for them to get involved in our activity. The key changes are:
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A clearer official name
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Clearer student membership classification
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More flexibility with who chairs the Board
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More clarity on Student Trustee terms of office
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Clearer legal status for Sabbatical Officers
How do students vote in this referendum?
All students are able to vote in a referendum. You can vote online from 23rd February (9am) - 26th February (3pm).
What if I want to make a complaint about this referendum?
Any student has the right to make a complaint in any Cambridge SU election and our usual complaints procedure is in place. Any complaints relating to the rules, conduct of campaign teams, the referendum process, organisation of the referendum, or polling must be raised to the Election Team via the online Elections & Referendum Complaints Form. Complaints must be submitted in line with the Cambridge SU Elections & Referendum Complaints Procedure.