data/700-Codes-Amended-Summer-2023.txt

TITLE VII - STUDENT BODY STATUTES 
ELECTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS: 
CHAPTER 700 - STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTION CODE 
CHAPTER 710 - THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ACT 
CHAPTER 720 - THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION ACT 
CHAPTER 730 - THE ELECTION QUALIFICATION ACT 
CHAPTER 740 - THE POLITICAL PARTIES ACT 
CHAPTER 750 - THE ELECTION FINANCE ACT 
CHAPTER 760 - THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT 
CHAPTER 770 - THE GENERAL ELECTION ACT 
CHAPTER 780 - THE ELECTION TABULATION AND VALIDATION ACT 
CHAPTER 790 - STUDENT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM ACT 
 
 
CHAPTER 700 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTION CODE (75-122, 75-188, 76-177, 76-118, 76-119, 76- 
120, 76-121, 76-127, 76-160, 76-165, 76-174, 77-132, 78-122, 78-128, 78-170, 78-190, 79-129, 79-159, 79-180, 
80-129, BOM Petition 100280, 81-131, 81-203, 81-108, 81-147, 81-157, BOM Petition 03582, 82-104, 82-146, 
83-164, 83-172, 83-199, 84-101, 84-171, 85-159, 86-148, 87-153, 87-160, 88-129, 88-143, 89-103, 90-144, 90- 
163, 91-119, 91-126, 92-109, 92-113, 94-103, 94-123, 95-107, 95-119, 96-101, 96-124, 96-131, 96-134, 97-101, 
98-100, 98-106, 98-110, 98-122, 99-125, 2000-116, 2000-117, 2000-120, 2000-137, 2000-141, 2001-110, 2002- 
144, 2004-116, 2005-138, Spring 2006 Ballot Initiative, 2006-123, 2006-124, 2006-129, 2007-103, 2007-109, 
2009-101, 2010-100, 2011-100, 2011-115, 2011-116, 2012-101, 2012-107, 2013-SC: Students Party v. Swamp 
Party, 2013-111, re: “MERWITZER I”, 2020-1024, 2020-1043, 2020-1067, 2021-109). 
 
700.1 
Sections 700.001 through 790.999 shall be known as the "Student Government Election Code". 
 
700.2 
The Student Government Election Code shall be arranged by subject matter in ten (10) parts, 
each composed of numerically designated sections, according to the following scheme: 
Part I (Sections 700.001-709.999) General Provisions 
Part II (Sections 710.001-719.999) Supervisor of Elections Act 
Part III (Sections 720.001-729.999) Elections Commission Act 
Part IV (Sections 730.001-739.999) Election Qualification Act 
Part V (Sections 740.001-749.999) Political Parties Act 
Part VI (Sections 750.001-759.999) Election Finances Act Part 
VII (Sections 760.001-769.999) Election Campaign Act Part 
VIII (Sections 770.001-779.999) General Election Act 
Part IX (Sections 780.001-789.999) Election Tabulation and Validation Act 
Part X (Sections 790.001-799.999) Student Government Initiative and Referendum Act 
 
700.3 
Student Government shall make every effort to comply and follow standards set forth in Florida 
Law governing elections. This shall include, but not be limited to: the review of the rules 
governing standards and certification of voting systems, the adoption of rules to achieve and 
maintain the maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, and efficiency of the procedures of 
voting, including write-in voting, and of counting, tabulating, and recording votes by voting 
systems used in Student Government elections; the security standards for voting systems, and the 
authorization and approval of the registration process for voter identification. 
 
700.4 
The following words and phrases when used in 700.001 to 790.999 shall have the meaning as 
ascribed to them in this section: 
(a) “Absent elector” means any qualified elector who applies for an absentee ballot 
pursuant to statutes 714.1 and 775.0 and casts a ballot prior to the tabulation of the 
election results, pursuant to statute 775.1. Every qualified elector has the right to be an 
absentee elector and vote by absentee ballot. 
(b) “Ballot” means that printed sheet of paper or secure online database containing the names 
of candidates, or a statement of proposed constitutional amendments, initiatives or referendum 
questions or any other propositions submitted to the electorate at any election on which sheet 
of paper or in which secure online database an elector casts a vote. A 
“ballot” also means a Scantron computer card used for the same purposes. 
(c) “Benefit” shall be defined as any material used for the purpose of campaigning that 
does not pertain to the election and is meant to sway or persuade individual voters. 
Examples of benefits shall include but are not limited to food, candy, and gifts. 
(d) “Campaigning” means any intentional action in support of, or in opposition to, a 
candidate or political party for an elective student body office, including, but not limited 
to the distribution of literature and posting of election specific materials. “Campaigning” 
does not include maintaining a website excluded to providing general information about 
the party and party members, or wearing campaign material, as defined in 700.4(f), a 
campaign shirt, a button, an emblem or similar paraphernalia, unless accompanied by the 
dissemination of campaign literature or the delivery of a campaign speech to solicit 
support for a candidate or political party. “Campaigning” also does not include internal 
administrative work to prepare for a campaign that is not directly intended to influence 
voters. 
(e) “Campaign Activity” will be interpreted as interchangeable with “Campaigning” and 
will be interpreted as having the full meaning ascribed in § 700.4(d) as per 2013-SC: 
Students Party v. Swamp Party decision. 
(f) “Campaign Material” means any print or electronic material used for the purpose of 
supporting a candidate or political party for an elective Student Body office, an initiative, 
a referendum question or proposed constitutional amendment. “Campaign material” shall 
include, but not be limited to, fliers, banners, posters, placards, electronic mail internet 
posts, and clothing. 
(g) “Campaign Websites” may include party roster, party contacts, a list of former 
accomplishments, and general, non-election-specific information. 
(h) “Candidate” means any person who has qualified their name placed on a ballot for 
elective office in a Student Government election, or any qualified person eligible for 
elective office seeking election to such office by write-in votes. 
(i) “Days” means calendar days unless otherwise specified. 
(j) “Disqualify” means: 
(1) the Supervisor of Elections removes a candidate or political party from the 
ballot, or 
(2) the Supervisor of Elections does not forward a candidate's name to the Senate 
for approval, or 
(3) the Supreme Court declares a candidate or political party ineligible for elective 
office due to violations of the Student Government Election Code or other 
applicable law, or (4) the Supreme Court declares a candidate ineligible to qualify 
or ineligible on any other basis that would infringe on that person's ability to hold 
office. 
(k) “Door-to-door Campaigning” means any campaigning which requires the attracting of a 
resident's attention by knocking on the door of a residence or non-University building or 
requesting entry into an apartment, house, residence hall, or similar residential building. 
(l) “Election cycle” means the time from the beginning of the informational meeting held 
by the Supervisor of Elections pursuant to 713.0 until validation of the election by the 
Student Senate. 
(m) “Election Official” or “Polling place supervisor” means those individuals designated 
by the Supervisor of Elections to supervise the poll workers and conduct the election at a 
polling place or precinct. 
(n) “Elector” means any student in the current term at the University of Florida, as 
outlined in Article II Section 1 of the Student Body Constitution. 
(o) “Electronic method of voter identification” shall be defined as any internet connected 
device verifying identity through the use of an electronically encrypted user identification 
system that is utilized by a majority of the University sanctioned electronic applications, 
including but not limited to Gator Link identification. Successful verification using the 
electronically encrypted user identification system must be followed by an additional method 
of electronic user verification, including but not limited to secret questions and responses 
which may be verified against private University Registrar records. 
(p) “Electronic voting means a voting system that uses mechanical devices, including 
computers, to record, transfer and tally votes to determine voter intent. This system shall 
be limited to the use of devices under the direct control and supervision of the Elections 
Commission. 
(q) “Enactment” means formal approval by the appropriate University Administrative 
authority. 
(r) “Fall General Election” means the election held during the fall semester to fill Student 
Government offices and to vote on initiatives of law or referendum questions. 
(s) “Initiative” means a ballot vote proposing to revoke, amend, or adopt Student Body 
Law. 
(t) “Internet Online Voting” means a voting system that allows voters to cast ballots 
from any and all devices connected to the internet, with the exception of devices used 
for Secure Location Electronic Voting. Internet Online Voting is unconstitutional and 
may not be utilized in Student Government elections. 
(u) “Mode of transportation” shall include automobiles, bicycles, buses, scooters, or any 
other means of transportation. 
(v) “Notice” means oral or written contact by the Supervisor of Elections, any Elections 
Commissioner, the Student Senate or any other Student Body officer to any person intended 
to be subject to that notice. Telephone messages will not be considered “notice.” 
(w) “Official School Holiday” means any day the university administration recesses 
classes during any academic term. 
(x) “Polling Location” means a location under the direct supervision and control of the 
Elections Commission. 
(y) “Poll Worker” means an individual hired to assist in the duties of conducting the 
election at a particular precinct or polling place. 
(z) “Qualify” means the submitting of a candidate affidavit, a certification of good 
standing and any other necessary forms with the Supervisor of Elections. 
(aa) “Queue of voters” shall be defined as a physical line of electors waiting to enter 
a voting booth.  
(bb) “Referendum question” means an issue stated in the form of a question that shall 
be considered, when answered by the Student Body, to have the power of a resolution 
of Student Government. 
(cc)“Run-Off Election” means the election held on the first Tuesday and Wednesday after a 
Spring General Election involving only the top two vote recipients where no candidate for that 
office has received a majority of the votes cast for one of the campus-wide Student Government 
offices. Write-in ballots shall not be provided in run-off elections. 
(dd)“Secure Location Electronic Voting” means a voting system that allows voters to cast 
a ballot electronically from a fixed location on campus under the direct supervision and 
control of the Elections Commission and in accordance with 
(ee)”Sample Ballot” means an electronic copy of what the actual ballot will look like, 
including candidates, referendums, and instructions. 
(ff)“Spring General Elections” means the election held during the spring semester for the 
purpose of filling Student Government offices and voting on proposed constitutional 
amendments, initiatives of law, or referendum questions. 
(gg)“Unsecure Site Online Voting” means a voting system that allows voters to cast 
ballots from any computer connected to the internet. Unsecure Site Online Voting is 
illegal and may not be utilized in Student Government elections. 
(hh)“Validation” means the action taken by the Student Senate that formally 
acknowledges the vote totals as presented by the Supervisor of Elections or Elections 
Commission is accurate. 
(ii) “Voting Booth” means that booth or enclosure designed to protect the integrity and secrecy 
of the voter wherein an elector casts their ballot and shall be so arranged that it will be 
impossible for one elector in one compartment to see an elector in another in the act of marking 
their ballot. 
(jj) “Voting Machine” means the device used for the purpose of recording votes. 
(kk)“Write-in ballot” means a sheet of paper or ballot frame on a voting machine 
provided for the purpose of an elector casting a vote for a write-in candidate by 
inscription. Electors shall be provided “write-in ballots” in all fall and spring general 
elections. “Write-in ballots” shall not be provided in any run-off elections. 
(ll) “Write-in candidate" means any person who could have met the qualifications of the 
office before the deadline set by the Supervisor of Elections, yet who has not qualified as 
a candidate and whose name is neither printed on paper ballots or included on voting 
machines, but for whom a vote is cast on a write-in ballot. 
CHAPTER 710 – THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS ACT (2000-141, 2002-144, 2004-116, 2005-137, 2005- 
138, 2006-103, 2006-108, Spring 2006 Ballot Initiative, 2006-113, 2006-117, 2006-123, 2006-129, 2007-109, 
2009-100 2009-102, 2009-103, 2010-100, 2010-111, 2011-115, 2012-101, 2012-107, 2013- 102, 2014-119, 2016- 
104, 2017-113, 2018-124, 2019-103, 2020-1024, 2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
710.0 
This subsection, from 710.0 to 719.999, shall be known as “The Supervisor of Elections Act.” 
 
711.0 
There is hereby created the position of Supervisor of Elections. They shall be appointed by the 
Student Body President and shall assume office upon confirmation by two-thirds (2/3) of the 
members of the Student Senate present and voting. The Supervisor of Elections shall have served 
for at least one campus-wide election as either an Elections Commissioner or as an Assistant 
Supervisor of Elections. 
 
711.11 
The Student Senate shall be notified of the Supervisor of Elections appointment no later than forty- 
eight (48) hours prior to the Student Senate meeting at which the nominee is to be presented for 
confirmation. 
 
711.2 
The Supervisor of Elections shall conduct and supervise all elections of the Student Body and 
faithfully execute those duties and responsibilities as designated by the Student Government 
Election Code and other duties and responsibilities designated by law or that are deemed 
necessary to the proper conduct of an election. 
 
711.3 
The Supervisor of Elections shall not hold nor have held any position or affiliation with any past 
or present Student Government political party or independent candidate during the previous two 
(2) election cycles. 
 
711.31 
The Supervisor of Elections shall not hold any other position or office in Student Government. 
The Supervisor of Elections shall not be an executive officer of any Student Government funded 
organization while serving as Supervisor of Elections. 
 
711.4 
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Supervisor of Elections after the completion of the 
election cycle, a new Supervisor shall be chosen pursuant to Section 711.0, S.B.S. 
 
711.5 
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Supervisor of Elections during an election cycle, the 
Supreme Court shall appoint by majority vote, one of the Assistant Supervisors of Elections to be 
the new Supervisor of Elections. That supervisor shall take office effective upon notification of 
their appointment. 
 
712.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall appoint a minimum of four (4) Assistant Supervisors of 
Elections at least four (4) weeks prior to the fall general election. The Supervisor of Elections 
may appoint any additional Assistant Supervisors of Elections that they deem necessary. 
Any Assistant Supervisor of Elections must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the 
members of the Student Senate present and voting. The Assistant Supervisor's term shall end 
in conjunction with the expiration of the natural term of the Supervisor of Elections. 
 
712.1 
The Student Senate shall be notified of Assistant Supervisor of Elections appointees no later 
than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the Student Senate meeting at which the nominee is to be 
presented for confirmation. 
 
712.11 
Assistant Supervisors of Elections shall not hold any position or affiliation with any Student 
Government political party. The Assistant Supervisors of Elections shall not hold any other 
position or office in Student Government as listed in Section 130.4, S.B.S. The Assistant 
Supervisors of Elections shall not be an executive officer of any Student Government funded 
organization during their term as Assistant Supervisor of Elections. 
 
712.12 
Assistant Supervisors of Elections shall assist the Supervisor of Elections in the performance of 
their duties during the election cycle. 
 
712.13 
Assistant Supervisors of Elections are subject to removal of office for due cause by the Supervisor 
of Elections and with a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Elections Commission. Any removal of an 
Assistant Supervisor may be appealed to the Supreme Court. 
 
713.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall conduct a meeting on the fourth (4th) Tuesday immediately 
preceding the first day of elections. The purpose of this meeting shall be to inform all students 
wishing to participate in the upcoming elections of the rules, procedures and proper conduct 
required during the election cycle as stated in the Student Government Elections Code. 
 
713.1 
The Supervisor of Elections shall be responsible for receiving the qualifying papers of the various 
candidates and political parties. The Supervisor of Elections shall distribute all information 
concerning the Student Government Election Code including, but not limited to, all deadlines, 
campaign rules and campaign laws (including those email rules as promulgated under Section 
764.0, S.B.S) during the qualifying process. 
 
713.11 
The Supervisor of Elections shall provide a complete list of their official Student Government 
contact information and the official contact information of all the members of the Elections 
Commission to each registered party president, independent candidate, and any interested 
students. 
 
713.2 
The Supervisor of Elections shall be responsible for receiving a list of campaign contributions and 
expenditures from each political party and independent candidate. The Supervisor of Elections shall 
place any list they receive pursuant to this section on public record in the Student Government office 
and shall post it on the Student Government web site within twenty four (24) hours of receiving it. 
   
713.3 
The Supervisor of Elections shall submit a complete list of candidates who have qualified to the 
Student Government Advising & Operations, who shall certify back to the Supervisor of Elections 
the names of those candidates who meet all of the requirements set out in the Student Body 
Constitution and Student Body Statutes. 
 
713.31 
The Supervisor of Elections shall strike from the certified list of names any person who fails to 
meet the requirements of the office for which they are candidates. Requirements are set forth in 
Article VI of the Student Body Constitution. 
 
713.32 
The Supervisor of Elections shall notify any candidate who was stricken from the certified list by 
posting their names at the entrance of the Student Government Office in the J. Wayne Reitz Union 
and at the mandatory meeting required by Section 713.5, S.B.S. 
 
713.4 
The Supervisor of Elections shall post a copy of the corrected list of candidates outside the Student 
Government office in the J. Wayne Reitz Union by noon on the first school day after the certified 
list is finalized as per Section 737.0, S.B.S. The Supervisor of Elections shall submit a corrected list 
of candidates to the Elections Commission. 
 
713.5 
The Supervisor of Elections shall conduct a mandatory meeting on the second school day after 
qualifying ends to notify all candidates of the requirements of the Student Government Election 
Code. 
 
713.6 
The Supervisor of Elections shall make available a current copy of the Student Government 
Election Code and other regulations on the Student Government website and provide directions 
on how to access the information to any student upon request. 
 
713.7 
The Supervisor of Elections, alongside Assistant Supervisors of Elections, shall plan and preside 
over the implementation of the Student Government Debate during the Spring election cycle. 
The attendance of each political party’s properly qualified executive candidate(s) shall be 
required. Refusal to attend shall be grounds for disqualification. 
 
713.71 
In the event that only one party has a fully qualified executive slate, the Supervisor of Elections 
will not be required to host the Student Government Debate. 
 
713.72 
The Student Government Debate shall take place no earlier than the day after the mandatory 
candidate meeting described in Section 713.5, S.B.S. and no later than the Friday immediately 
preceding the spring general election. 
 
713.73 
The Supervisor of Elections shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the Student 
Government Debate is made available to the public as audio and/or video within forty-eight (48) 
hours of the conclusion of the debate. Additionally, the Supervisor of Elections shall ensure that 
a debate transcript is made available to the public within forty-eight (48) hours of the conclusion 
of the debate. 
 
713.74 
The Supervisor of Elections shall ensure that the content of the Student Government Debate is 
created in conjunction with the Student Government Advising & Operations team or Student 
Government Advising & Operations designee. 
 
714.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall be responsible for the preparation of the ballot and for the 
preparation of the absentee ballot. The ballot shall contain names of all candidates as defined in 
Section 713.4, S.B.S. The ballot shall also contain adequate provision for writing in the names of 
candidates not appearing thereon unless it is to be used in a run-off election as defined in Section 
700.4 (cc), S.B.S. 
 
714.1 
The Supervisor of Elections shall supply an absentee ballot to every elector who requests an 
absentee ballot by the second Wednesday immediately preceding the elections by 5:00 P.M. 
714.2 
The Supervisor of Elections shall provide paper-based absentee ballot applications in the Student 
Government Office and maintain a page on the official Student Government website containing 
an electronic absentee ballot application allowing any elector to instantly apply for an absentee 
ballot over the Internet. 
 
714.3 
The Supervisor of Elections shall make all reasonable efforts to notify every elector, including 
those enrolled at satellite campuses, of the absentee balloting process at least two weeks prior to 
the deadline stipulated by Section 714.1, S.B.S. 
 
714.31 
The Supervisor of Elections shall draft a social media post to inform every elector of their right to 
request and vote by an absentee ballot and encourage them to exercise this right if voting in person 
will be inconvenient for them. The Supervisor of Elections shall draft at least two such social 
media posts, with at least one social media post sent to the Action SG Chairperson for posting 
between five (5) and six (6) business days before the electronic form submission deadline and at 
least one social media post sent to the Action SG Chairperson for posting between two and three 
business days before the deadline. Each such post must be sent to the Action SG Chairperson 
between 8:00 
A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Additionally, the posts shall include the following: 
(a) A direct link to the electronic form mandated in Section 714.2, S.B.S. 
(b) The date and time by which the electronic form must be submitted for the request to be 
processed. 
 
714.4 
In the event of a runoff election, the Supervisor of Elections shall supply an absentee ballot 
automatically to every elector who requested one for the general election. 
 
714.5 
The Supervisor of Elections shall ensure that all candidates for a given office are listed in 
alphabetical order within party groups on the ballot. For the purpose of listing candidates, all 
independent candidates shall be grouped together in alphabetical order as if they were a party. 
 
714.6 
The order of political parties listed in Section 714.5, S.B.S. on the ballot shall be randomly determined 
at the mandatory candidates’ meeting by the Supervisor of Elections drawing from a hat the names of 
the registered political parties and the label independent. The drawing shall be open to the  public. 
 
714.7 
The Supervisor of Elections shall make available upon request a sample ballot to any interested 
individuals at every polling location and in the Student Government office, and on the Student 
Government website. 
 
714.8 
The Supervisor of Elections shall submit to the Chair of the Elections Commission a list of proposed 
polling locations at least 15 business days before the election. The proposed list shall be posted in a 
public place with the date, time and location of the meetings required in Section 723.21, S.B.S. 
 
714.81 
 In the event that a polling location becomes unavailable due to an event or circumstance outside 
the control of the elections staff, the Supervisor of Elections, at their discretion, may add or 
change a polling location to the nearest available building so long as it is properly noticed at the 
original polling location, S.B.S. 
 
714.9 
If Secure Location Electronic Voting is implemented, the Supervisor of Elections shall ensure 
that a contingency plan with secondary polling locations is in place. 
 
714.91 
The Supervisor of Elections’ contingency plan shall be presented before the Senate two weeks 
prior to the election cycle. 
 
715.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall post signs the day prior to the election and days of the elections 
near the polling locations that shall read “Vote Here” in a type that is visible and legible from thirty 
(30) feet indicating that such polling location is located nearby. 
 
715.1 
Polling locations located more than fifty (50) feet inside a building shall be marked with signs 
noting the location at exterior entrances, and within fifteen (15) feet of the polling location 
inside. 
 
715.2 
Signs created by the Supervisor shall include the dates of the election or runoff, the times polling 
locations will be open and any and all requirements for voting. 
 
715.3 
The Supervisor of Elections shall post a list of polling locations on the Student Government 
website and through at least two additional forms of notification. A link to the official UF campus 
map shall be included along with the list of polling locations on the Student Government website. 
 
715.4 
The Supervisor of Elections shall draft a social media post to inform every elector, including those 
enrolled at satellite campuses, their right to vote in Student Government elections. The Supervisor 
of Elections shall draft at least two such posts, with at least one social media post sent to the Action 
SG Chairperson sent when the dates, times, and polling locations of the upcoming election are 
finalized and at least one post sent when polls open on the first day of the election. Each such post 
must be sent to the Action SG Chairperson between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Additionally, the 
posts shall include the following: 
(a) The candidates students may vote for as they appear on the ballot, additionally 
including any declared write-in candidate(s). 
(b) The dates, times, and polling locations of the upcoming election. 
 
715.5 
Every official Student Government social media account shall post to its social media platform 
the content provided by the Supervisor of Elections to the Action SG Chairperson as mandated by 
Sections 714.31 and 715.4, S.B.S. within one (1) business day. These social media posts may exclude 
content only to satisfy social media platform limitations. 
 
716.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall be responsible for instructing poll workers in the proper use and 
operation of voting machines and shall prepare guidelines and regulations, in accordance 
with the laws of the State of Florida, to be followed in the preparation, sealing, opening, and 
reading of such machines. 
 
716.1 
The Supervisor of Elections shall provide the poll workers with written instructions on how to 
assist students with disabilities. The instructions shall read as follows: "Students with sight, 
vision or physical impairments may request a companion or poll worker to read and mark their 
ballot. You are to help any student that requests this service." 
 
716.2 
All polling locations for Student Government elections shall remain open from 8:30 A.M. to 8:30 
P.M. on each designated day of the election. 
 
716.21 
The Supervisor of Elections shall ensure that all students who are in line at 8:30 P.M. are allowed 
to vote. 
 
714.4 
If the set of returns indicates that a candidate for any office was defeated or eliminated by one- 
quarter (1/4) of a percent or less of the votes cast for such office or that a measure appearing on 
the ballot was approved or rejected by one-quarter (1/4) of a percent or less of the votes cast on 
such measure, the Supervisor of Elections shall order a recount of the ballots cast for that office 
to be conducted within twenty-hour (24) hours of the announcement of the results. 
 
714.5 
If the set of returns indicates that a candidate for any office was defeated or eliminated by between 
one-quarter (1/4) and one-half (1/2) of a percent of the votes cast for such office or that a measure 
appearing on the ballot was approved or rejected by between one-quarter (1/4) and one-half (1/2) 
of a percent of the votes cast on such measure, the political party of such candidate or the 
candidate may request in writing that the Supervisor of Elections and the Elections Commission 
conduct a recount of the ballots cast for that office, provided that such request is made by noon 
on the second day after the election. 
 
714.6 
The Supervisor of Elections shall announce at the J. Wayne Reitz Union, the election results no 
earlier than one (1) hour after the closing of the polls. If the J. Wayne Reitz Union is unavailable, 
the Elections Commission shall by two- thirds vote select a new location no later than one calendar 
week prior to the closing of the polls on the last day of the election in question. 
 
717.1 
If any statutorily mandated meeting, event, deadline, or like occurrences, not including general 
or Run-off elections, occurs on a religious holiday or school holiday, the Supervisor of Elections 
shall select another date within a reasonable time period, before the mandated date as a 
replacement. Any replacement date set by the Supervisor of Elections must be confirmed by a 
two-thirds majority of the Elections Commission. 
 
718.1 
The Supervisor of Elections shall ensure all ballots are stored until all complaints are resolved 
and the Student Senate validates the election. 
CHAPTER 720 – THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION ACT (2000-141, 2002-144, 2002-155, 2004-116, 2005-138, 
2006-108, 2006-129, 2007-109, 2007-131, 2009-104, 2010-100, 2010-101, 2012-101, 2013-100, 2018-124, 
2020-1024, 2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
720.01 
This subsection, from 720.001 to 729.999, shall be known as “The Elections 
Commission Act.” 
 
720.02 
The following words and phrases when used in 720.001 to 729.999 shall have the following 
meaning: 
(a) “Commissioner” shall refer to any member, including the chair, of the Elections 
Commission. 
(b) “Respondent” means any person, persons, or political party against whom a violation 
has been filed. 
(c) “Hearings” means any assembly of the Elections Commission to adjudicate the merits 
of an election complaint. 
(d) “Meetings” means any assembly of the Elections Commission where the official 
business of the Elections Commission, other than adjudication, takes place. 
(e) “Petitioner” means any person, persons or political party alleging a violation of 
the Election Code. 
 
721.0 
The Student Elections Commission shall be a judicial tribunal of Student Government overseeing 
the conduct and complaints and recommending validation or invalidation of Student Government 
elections. 
 
721.1 
The Elections Commission shall consist of six (6) members. The Student Body President shall 
nominate two (2) law students. The Student Senate President shall nominate two (2) law students. 
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall nominate two (2) law students.  
 
721.11                  The student senate shall be notified of nominations no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the      
 senate meeting at which the nominee will be presented for confirmation. The nominations will be 
presented to the Student Senate and shall require confirmation by two-thirds (2/3) of the members 
of the Student Senate present and voting.  
 
721.12 
Members shall serve staggered one-year terms, so that one (1) of the nominees of each branch 
ends their term after each election.  
 
721.13 
Commissioners shall not hold nor have held any position or affiliation with any past or present 
Student Government political party or independent candidate during the previous two (2) election 
cycles. Commissioners shall not hold any other position or office in Student Government. 
 
721.2 
The Chair of the Elections Commission shall be elected by the Commission each election cycle 
from the 6 members and shall vote only in case of a tie. The Chair of the Elections Commission 
shall preside over all meetings and hearings of the Elections Commission. 
 
721.21 
The Clerk of the Elections Commission shall be selected by the Chair of the Elections 
Commission. The Clerk of the Elections Commission may not be a member of the Elections 
Commission. The Clerk of the Elections Commission shall not hold nor have held any position 
or affiliation with any past or present Student Government political party or independent 
candidate during the previous two (2) election cycles. The duties of the Clerk of the Elections 
Commission will be to: 
(a) Maintain meeting minutes, opinions, orders, correspondence, and like materials of 
the Elections Commission. 
(b) Assist the Elections Commission with the completion of complaint forms following 
each meeting.  
(c) Transmit periodically, but at least once per academic term, an index of all opinions, 
orders, and decisions of the Elections Commission to the Student Body President, 
Student Body Treasurer, Senate President, and Chairperson of the Judiciary 
Committee of the Student Senate. 
(d) The Clerk of the Elections Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the Chair of 
the Elections Commission 
 
721.22 
Vacancies on the Elections Commission, occurring after the start of the election cycle, shall be 
immediately filled for the duration of that specific term by appointment by a majority vote of the 
Supreme Court. 
 
722.0 
The Elections Commission may create rules, by a majority vote of the Elections Commission at 
an Elections Commission meeting, to ensure a fair and efficient election, provided that any and 
all rules must complete the rule making process by no later than one week prior to the start of the 
affected election cycle. Any rule created by the Elections Commission must comply with the 
Student Body Constitution and the Student Body Statutes and be supported by Student 
Government statutory authority. 
 
    722.1 
No rule may be promulgated by the Elections Commission for more than two (2) 
consecutive elections. 
 
722.11 
Legislative intent: In following the guiding principles of separation of powers, the Student Senate 
does not wish to grant unrestrained power to the Elections Commission. Any rule created by the 
Elections Commission should be deliberated by the Student Senate and therefore, it shall be 
assumed that any rule not placed into law by the Student Senate shall be a purposeful act by the 
Senate, and one that shall not be overruled by the Elections Commission. 
 
722.2  
At least ten (10) calendar days prior to enacting any rule, the Elections Commission shall post a   
Notice of Rule Development in the Student Government Office and on the Student Government 
website. The Notice of Rule Development shall contain the subject area to be addressed by rule 
development, a short, plain explanation of the purpose and effect of the proposed rule, and the time 
and place of the meeting at which the Elections Commission will determine the language of and 
hear public comment on the rule. 
 
722.3  
At least three (3) days prior to enacting any rule, the Elections Commission shall post a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking in the Student Government Office and on the Student Government website. 
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall contain the subject area to be addressed by rule 
development, a short, plain explanation of the purpose and effect of the proposed rule, and the 
full text of the proposed rule or amendment and a summary thereof. The Elections Commission 
shall provide for a way to obtain written public comment for the proposed rule. Prior to enacting 
a rule, the Elections Commission shall consider any written public comment submitted. 
 
722.4  
If the Elections Commission enacts any rule, the enacted rule must conform exactly to the 
 
proposed rule. 
 
722.5  
If a rule takes effect prior to the beginning of an election cycle, the Elections Commission shall  
provide any promulgated rules to the Supervisor of Elections for the Supervisor of Elections to 
provide to candidates at the meeting held pursuant to Section 713.5, S.B.S. 
 
722.6   
If a rule takes effect during an election cycle, the Chair of the Elections Commission shall  
 
provide notice to all parties and independent candidates of the newly promulgated rule. 
 
722.7  
Any rule enforced by the Elections Commission may be appealed to the Supreme Court by any  
member of the Student Body. The standard of review of the Supreme Court shall comply with 
Section 728.52, S.B.S. The Supreme Court shall, upon successful petition, void any rule that does 
not comply with Student Government Law or has no Student Government statutory authority. 
 
722.8   
LEGISLATIVE INTENT – It is the intent of this legislature that this subsection (722 et seq.) will allow  
the Elections Commission to provide rules of general application prior to, or during the elections cycle, 
to deal with any unforeseen circumstances. It is the intent of this legislature that any rule that does not 
ensure a fair and efficient election be considered ultra vires. It is the further intent of this legislature 
that any rule enacted by the Elections Commission be considered by the Student Senate to improve the 
Elections Code. It is the intent of this legislature that all rules of the Elections Commission eventually 
will either be codified into these statutes or nullified prior to an election so that all candidates may 
look to a central location to ascertain the legality of any action. 
 
723.0 
The Elections Commission is empowered to penalize violations of Title VII, S.B.S. or any other 
rules properly promulgated by the Elections Commission, under Section 722, S.B.S. et seq. The 
Elections Commission shall issue penalties in accordance with Section 728.2, S.B.S. Remedies 
of the Elections Commission are exclusive of any additional remedy provided by federal or state 
law, whether administrative, civil, or criminal. 
 
723.1 
The Elections Commission may formally recommend to the Supreme Court that the candidate or 
political party be disqualified. Only the Supreme Court shall have the power to remove a 
candidate's name from the ballot, except as otherwise provided by law. 
 
723.2 
The Elections Commission, by majority vote, shall determine and list polling locations along with 
the respective colleges or living areas for which these polling locations are established. No later 
than the second Friday immediately prior to an election, the Chair of the Elections Commission 
must submit copies of these lists to the Supervisor of Elections and all campus-wide newspapers, 
and notify all party presidents and independent candidates of the polling locations. The Chair of 
the Elections Commission, with the aid of the Supervisor of Elections, shall post a copy of the list 
at the entrance of the Student Government Office in the J. Wayne Reitz Union and on the Student 
Government web site as soon as possible and request that the campus-wide newspapers publish 
the list on the day before and days of the election.  
 
   723.21   
The Elections Commission shall meet no later than the third Tuesday prior to the first day of the  
election to consider the location of polling locations. A list shall be submitted at this time by the 
Supervisor of Election for consideration and review. The Elections Commission shall consider 
any public comment submitted in writing prior to the meeting or in person at the meeting, before 
taking a vote on the polling locations.  
 
723.22 
In a meeting no later than the second Tuesday prior to the first day of elections the Elections  
 
Commission shall meet to certify the list of polling locations. If ballot boxes are used, at the  
close of voting each day, a poll worker shall sign, seal, and deliver the ballot box and associated 
equipment to such central place as previously designated by the Elections Commission. The 
Supervisor of Elections shall sign the ballot boxes once delivered. Delivery of the ballots shall 
be supervised by the Supervisor of Elections, the Chair of the Elections Commission or another 
Elections Commissioner designated by the Chair of the Elections Commission, and a University 
Administrator. The ballot boxes may then be opened and the votes tabulated as provided in the 
Student Government Election Code. 
 
723.3 
The Chair of the Elections Commission may grant a preliminary order that a political party or 
candidate cease and desist from the distribution of campaign material where the Chair of the 
Elections Commission deems that a preponderance of available evidence leads to a conclusion 
that both, 
(a) there is a strong likelihood of a violation on a complaint brought by  the offended party 
and 
(b) where the material is so offensive that it may irreparably harm the offended party or 
candidate. A preliminary cease and desist order shall remain in effect pending a hearing 
by the Elections Commission. 
 
724.0 
Any student or student organization registered with the Department of Student Activities and 
Involvement shall have standing to bring a complaint before the Elections Commission alleging a 
violation of the Student Government Election Code. Any complaint must identify all of the 
following: 
(a) The petitioner individual, organization or political party; 
(b) The respondent individual, organization or political party; 
(c) The specific section of the Student Body Laws that the petitioner alleges the 
respondent violated. 
(d) A detailed statement of the facts surrounding the alleged violation. 
(e) The date and time that the complaint was filed with the Supervisor of Elections or the 
Elections Commission. 
 
724.1 
Election complaints must be filed with the Elections Commission no later than three (3) school 
days after an alleged violation has occurred and before the election results are read. Filing a 
complaint with the Elections Commission means that the aggrieved party delivers their complaint 
to either the Chair of the Elections Commission or their designee in compliance with applicable 
Student Body Statutes. 
 
     724.2  
The Elections Commission shall permit the petitioner one opportunity to amend any complaint  
 
failing to comply with 724.0. 
 
    724.21  
The Elections Commission may dismiss with prejudice any complaint that is any of the  
 
following: 
(a) The complaint is presented or maintained for any frivolous or improper purpose, such 
as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay; 
(b) The allegations and other factual contentions in the complaint are without a scintilla 
of evidentiary support. 
 
    724.22  
If warranted, the Elections Commission may assess a reasonable penalty under Section 
728.2, S.B.S. for a violation of Section 724.21, S.B.S. 
 
724.3 
The Elections Commission shall provide the petitioner and respondent with notice at least 
twenty-four (24) hours before the hearing at which the complaint involving them is to be 
conducted. 
 
725.0 
The Chair of the Elections Commission shall ensure that agendas for the Elections Commission 
meetings and hearings are posted on the Student Government website at least twenty-four (24) 
hours before the beginning of the meeting or hearing. 
 
725.1 
Hearings before the Election Commission shall be adjudicatory. At any time prior to the final 
determination of any adjudicatory matter before the Elections Commission, members of the 
Elections Commission may not make any comment or statement, public or private, verbal or 
written, direct or indirect, concerning an adjudicatory matter before or likely to come before the 
Elections Commission. 
 
725.2 
The Chair of the Elections Commission or their designee may administer oaths to any person 
testifying at an Elections Commission meeting or hearing. 
 
725.3 
A majority vote of Elections Commissioners present for all testimony and discussion of a specific 
case shall be required to establish a violation and to assign a penalty. Unless otherwise specified, 
the petitioner bears the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. 
 
725.4 
The procedure for Elections Commission Hearings shall be: 
(1) The petitioner must be present at the time the Elections Commission convenes or the 
complaint may be dismissed or the hearing postponed at the discretion of the Elections 
Commission. Legal counsel may represent the petitioner, if the petitioner desires and 
retains such counsel. The legal counsel will be limited to no more than two students. 
(2) The respondent shall be present at the time that the Elections Commission convenes. If 
the respondent is not present, the Elections Commission shall make a determination 
pursuant to Section 727.1, S.B.S. and either continue with or postpone the hearing. Legal 
counsel may represent the respondent, if the respondent desires and retains such counsel. 
Legal counsel will be limited to no more than two students. 
(3) The Elections Commission shall give the respondent the opportunity to admit 
responsibility for an alleged violation. If the respondent admits guilt to an alleged 
violation, the Elections Commission shall find a violation and move directly to Section 
725.4(13), S.B.S. 
(4) The petitioner shall initially be granted 3 minutes for an opening statement. The Chair 
of the Elections Commission may grant more time as necessary. 
(5) The respondent shall be granted equal time as the petitioner to present an 
opening statement. 
(6) The petitioner shall be granted 5 minutes to present the complaint. During the 
presentation of the complaint the petitioner may call witnesses and present testimony and 
other evidence. The Chair of the Elections Commission may grant more time as 
necessary. 
(7) The respondent shall be granted five minutes to rebut the allegations of the 
petitioner. During the refutation of the complaint the respondent may call witnesses 
and present testimony and other evidence. The Chair of the Elections Commission may 
grant more time as necessary. 
(8) The petitioner shall be granted 3 minutes for a closing argument. The Chair of 
the Elections Commission may grant more time as necessary. 
(9) The respondent shall be granted the same amount of time as the plaintiff for closing 
argument. 
(10) Elections Commissioners may ask any questions of anyone at any point during the 
presentation of evidence. Such questions shall not count in the allotted time of the party. 
(11) If more time is needed the Chair of the Elections Commission may allow it provided 
equal time is given to both the petitioner and respondent. 
(12) After the closing statements, the Elections Commission will enter deliberations. The 
deliberations will be open to the public and for the record. Only Elections Commissioners 
will be allowed to speak during deliberations. 
(13) After deliberations, the Elections Commission will vote on whether there was a 
violation of the Student Government Election Code. If the Elections Commission finds a 
violation, the petitioner, then the respondent, will be allotted 3 minutes each for 
statements on the appropriate penalty including, but not limited to, any aggravating or 
mitigating circumstances surrounding the violation. After penalty statements, the 
Elections Commission will publicly deliberate and vote on the appropriate penalty in 
accordance with Section 728.1, S.B.S. 
 
725.5 
Testimony before the Elections Commission shall be limited to a designated representative of each 
political party or candidate, student legal counsels for any political party or candidate, and those 
persons offering testimony or evidence concerning the events that led to the complaint. 
 
725.6 
In all hearings before the Elections Commission, the Supervisor of Elections or an Assistant 
Supervisor of Elections shall report to the Elections Commission concerning any investigation that the 
Supervisor of Elections may have conducted into the matter. The Supervisor of Elections may only discuss 
facts material to the case. The Supervisor of Elections’ testimony may not include any recommendation of the 
guilt or recommendation of penalty to be imposed unless the Supervisor of Elections or an Assistant 
Supervisor of Elections filed the complaint. 
 
725.7 
The petitioner may withdraw the complaint at any time before the Elections Commission finds a 
violation. 
 
725.8 
The Elections Commission may consolidate complaints into a single hearing if the commission 
deems it necessary to promote an efficient use of judicial resources. 
 
726.0 
The Elections Commission may dismiss a complaint by a majority vote if any of the following 
apply: 
(a) Petitioner is unable to demonstrate probable cause of a violation; 
(b) The facts alleged on the face of the complaint, if true, do not violate the section of the 
student body statutes specified in the complaint; 
(c) At the close of the petitioner’s evidence, the petitioner has not established 
by a preponderance of the evidence that there was a violation. 
 
727.0 
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall subpoena any student on request of the Elections 
Commission. 
 
727.01 
The Chair of the Elections Commission, or their designee, shall, upon receipt of a request from a 
petitioner or respondent, request that the Supreme Court subpoena a student to testify before the 
Elections Commission at the appropriate hearing. To be valid and carried out, a request shall be 
made at least twenty-four (24) hours before the Elections Commission hearing in which the 
subpoenaed student would be required to testify. 
 
727.1 
In all cases where the Elections Commission determines by clear and convincing evidence that 
the respondent refuses to appear before the Elections Commission after proper notice of the 
Elections Commission hearing has been given, the Elections Commission may conduct a hearing 
without the respondent being present. Notice to a political party shall be given to the individual(s) 
designated as party president. 
 
728.0 
If a candidate slated with a political party or an individual with a position or affiliation with a 
political party is found in violation of any portion of the Student Government Election Code, it 
will be within the reasonable discretion of the Elections Commission to determine whether the 
candidate acted on their own or with the consent of their political party. 
 
728.01 
The Election Commission has the authority to determine the party affiliation of any individual 
during the election cycle. 
 
728.1 
All votes for determining if a violation occured and for the imposition of punishments shall be 
by roll call. All votes shall be recorded. 
 
728.11 
After determining that a violation has occurred, the Elections Commission shall determine a 
penalty by majority vote. 
 
728.2 
Any candidate or political party who does not comply with the Student Government Election 
Code or the rules and regulations of the Elections Commission shall be subject to any or all of 
the following penalties: 
(a) Warning; 
(b) Public reprimand; 
(c) Nominal fine; 
(d) Formal recommendation to the Supreme Court of disqualification; 
(e) Suspension of a political party from fielding a candidate or candidates for offices in an 
election cycle; or 
(f) Any penalty deemed appropriate by the Elections Commission allowed under Florida 
Election Codes and within the powers granted to Student Government. 
 
    728.21              Violations of Section 762.0, S.B.S. will be penalized only by a nominal fine of five (5) dollars,  
                             unless the Elections Commission determines that the violation is so egregious that additional    
                             penalties are required. 
 
728.3 
Any alleged violations of the Student Body Constitution, Student Body Statutes, or state or federal 
law by the Supervisor of Elections shall be adjudicated pursuant to chapters 305 or 306 of the 
Student Body Statutes and will not be considered by the Elections Commission. 
 
728.4 
If any political party representative or individual candidate commits perjury before the Elections 
Commission, the Elections Commission may penalize the individual or political party with any 
of the sanctions available under section 728.2, S.B.S. 
 
728.41 
Money collected in payment for levied campaign fines shall be made payable to the Student Body 
Treasurer. The Student Body Treasurer shall place any levied campaign fine in a special fund to defray the costs 
of future elections. 
 
728.42 
Whenever the Elections Commission properly levies a fine against a respondent pursuant to Section 
728.2, S.B.S. the Supervisor of Elections working in conjunction with the Elections Commission 
and the Student Government professional staff shall take any necessary steps to collect the fine. 
 
728.43 
If a respondent fails to fully comply with a properly adjudicated penalty pursuant to Section 728.2, 
S.B.S. within two (2) weeks, the Supervisor of Elections shall refer the respondent to the 
Supreme Court may take such actions as it deems appropriate. 
 
728.5 
All final determinations of the Election Commission may be appealed to the Supreme Court. 
 
728.51 
All appeals to the Supreme Court shall comply with the Supreme Court’s rules of practice and 
procedure. 
 
728.52 
The Supreme Court shall review questions of fact from the Elections Commission and shall 
affirm those findings if they are not clearly erroneous. The Supreme Court shall review mixed 
questions of law and fact and shall affirm those findings if they are supported by substantial 
evidence. The Supreme Court shall review questions of law de novo. 
 
729.0 
If after an election has occurred, a candidate or political party feels that the vote totals are 
fraudulent or erroneous, the candidate or party president or their designee may file a petition 
requesting an investigation into the procedures of the election and/or the vote totals with the 
Supervisor of Elections before the beginning of the reading of the vote totals. 
 
729.1 
Within twenty-four (24) hours but not less than four (4) hours after the official announcement of 
the vote totals, the Elections Commission shall meet to hear any complaint brought against the 
technical accuracy of the vote totals. The Elections Commission may hear any other complaints at 
the meeting required by this section. 
 
729.2 
  After taking any relevant evidence, the Elections Commission shall recommend validation or     
   invalidation of the vote totals presented by the Supervisor of Elections. Should the Elections     
    Commission recommend rejection of the vote totals, a complete form from the Elections    
    Commission, including any relevant findings of fact shall be filed with the Supervisor of  
    Elections and presented to the Student Senate by the Chair of the Elections Commission. After  
    the Chair of the Elections Commission makes a report to the Senate, if appropriate, the  
   Supervisor of Elections shall then present the vote totals to the Student Senate for validation. 
 
729.3 
STATUTE OF REPOSE ON ELECTIONS COMPLAINTS – All complaints shall be submitted 
to the Election Commission or their designee by 9:29:59 PM on the last day of elections, or be 
forever barred. 
 
729.4 
The Elections Commission shall keep a written record of all of its meetings and hearings, including 
the evidence and testimony heard, the findings of the Election Commission, and the rulings made. 
Within forty-eight (48) hours of a meeting or hearing of the Elections Commission, the Chair of 
the Elections Commission, or their designee, shall submit the record to the Student Government 
Advising & Operations staff. 
CHAPTER 730 – THE ELECTION QUALIFICATION ACT (2000-141, 2001-111, 2001-112, 2001-141, 2002- 
144, 2004-127, 2005-137,  2006-113, 2006-124,  2006-129, 2007-141, 2008-111, 2009-107,  Board of Trustees 
ruling, 2010-100, 2010-103, 2011-100, 2011-107, 2012-101, 2012-107, 2014-114, 2014-120, 2020-1024, 2020- 
1043, 2021-109, 2022-104, 2023-54) 
 
 
730.1 
This subsection, from 730.001 to 739.999, shall be known as “The Election Qualification Act” 
731.0 
Anyone group who wishes to qualify as a candidate for Student Government office must comply 
with the provisions of the Student Government Election Code and must adhere to the policies 
and rules set forth by the Supervisor of Elections and the Elections Commission. 
732.0 
Candidates for President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the Student Body shall each meet the 
following qualifications: 
(a) Registered as a full-time student; 
(b) Undergraduate students will retain a minimum overall 2.5 Overall Grade Point 
Average; 
(c) Graduate students will retain a minimum 3.0 Overall Grade Point Average or at least 
the minimum Overall Grade Point Average required to remain in good standing with the 
graduate or professional program in which they are enrolled, and otherwise be in good 
academic standing; 
(d) Free of conduct probation; 
(e) Free from any delinquent financial obligations to the University, unless excused through 
the University’s appeal process, by 5:00 PM on the second Wednesday preceding the Spring 
and Fall General Elections; 
(f) Successfully completed at least 3 semesters, excluding summers, at the University of 
Florida; 
(g) Not have been removed from a Student Government office through impeachment. 
 
732.1 
In the event a candidate for President, Vice President, or Treasurer is scheduled to graduate during 
the term of office sought, they shall be allowed on the ballot as long as they fully meet all of the 
requirements of Section 732.0, S.B.S.. 
 
732.11 
Candidates for President and Vice President shall run on a joint ticket and shall submit a single 
supporting petition as described in Section 732.12, S.B.S. in order to sustain their candidacy. 
Candidates for Treasurer shall also submit a supporting petition in order to sustain their candidacy. 
 
732.12 
A supporting petition shall bear in blue or black ink the names, student identification numbers, 
and signatures of currently registered University of Florida students totaling not less than 15% of 
the number of votes cast for the singular candidate who received the most votes in the last 
presidential election, excluding run-offs, or 500 signatures, whichever is less. The text of the 
supporting petition shall be to the effect that: 
"We the undersigned students at the University of Florida, do hereby approve the candidacy of 
  
for President of the Student Body and of  
 
for Vice President of the 
Student Body, as (candidates of the  
party) (independent candidates)." The petition for 
Treasurer candidates shall be to the effect that: “We the undersigned students at the University of 
Florida, do hereby approve the candidacy of  
 
for Treasurer of the Student Body and as 
(candidate of the  
party) (independent candidate)." The text of the supporting petition 
shall accurately reflect the party affiliation of the candidates. 
732.13 
The supporting petition must be submitted to the Supervisor of Elections no later than 5:00 P.M. 
732.14 
on the last day of qualifying or the Supervisor of Elections shall disqualify the candidates.  
Candidates for President and Vice President are considered as one candidate under a joint 
 
candidacy. 
 
732.141 
A political party may replace a candidate for President or Vice President with another candidate 
 
 
 
732.15 
 
 
 
 
732.151 
if the replacement candidate qualifies for the position in question and has complied with the 
requirements and deadlines of 745.0. 
 
      Student Government Advising & Operations staff will verify that individuals who have    
      signed a petition in accordance with Section 732.12, S.B.S. are currently registered   
      University of Florida students. 
 
Student Government Advising & Operations staff need only verify enough signatures to 
ensure that the petition has met the minimum threshold in Section 732.12, S.B.S.. 
 
732.2 
Candidates for Student Senate shall meet the following qualifications: 
(a) Registered as a full-time student; 
(b) Undergraduate students will retain a minimum overall 2.5 Overall Grade Point 
Average; 
(c) Graduate students will retain a minimum 3.0 Overall Grade Point Average or at least 
the minimum Overall Grade Point Average required to remain in good standing with the 
graduate or professional program in which they are enrolled, and otherwise be in good 
academic standing; 
(d) Free of conduct probation; 
(e) Free from any delinquent financial obligations to the University, unless excused 
through the University’s appeal process, by 5:00 PM on the second Wednesday preceding 
the Spring and Fall General Elections; 
(f) Resident of their living area or enrolled in the college which they seek to represent; 
(g) Not previously removed from any Student Government office through the 
impeachment process. 
 
732.3 
Candidates for Student Senate district seats must provide one of the following to qualify for the 
district they seek to represent: 
(a) Certified Mail delivered by postal service 
(b) Alachua County voter registration card 
(c) Original copy of lease 
(d) Original copy of utility bill or cable bill prior to qualifying 
(e) Original copy of promissory note or lease from fraternity or sorority house 
(f) Original copy of homeowner’s insurance 
(g) Original copy of warranty deed 
 
732.31 
Candidates for the Student Senate District E seat that live outside of Alachua County must 
provide additional proof that they physically reside the majority of their time within the district 
they seek to represent at the time of qualification. 
 
732.32 
Candidates for Student Senate district seats must sign a statement attesting to the occupancy of 
their physical residence for the district they seek to represent. 
 
732.4 
All candidates for the offices of President, Vice President, and Treasurer of the Student Body shall 
upon qualifying with the Supervisor of Elections certify all of the following information: 
(a) Name; 
(b) Occupancy of physical residence; 
(c) Candidate possesses all qualifications required to be a candidate for the office sought; 
(d) Candidate has been enrolled as a student at the University of Florida for at least 
three  (3) semesters, excluding summers; 
(e) Candidate is not under disqualification from serving that office; 
(f) Whether the candidate is an independent candidate or is affiliated with a political 
party; 
(g) If candidate is affiliated with a political party, the name of the political party; 
(h) The name of the campaign manager or party president, if any; 
(i) The name of the campaign treasurer; 
(j) The candidate is aware of the provisions of the Student Government Election Code 
and agrees to be bound by them. 
732.5 
All Candidates for election under the Constitution and laws of the Student Body shall be members 
of the constituencies, classes, or residence areas from which they seek to represent, and qualified 
to vote in such constituencies, classes, or residence areas. A candidate’s classification shall be 
determined by the records of the University Registrar’s Office, or supported by a sworn affidavit 
of the candidate. If the Elections Commission discovers that a winning candidate was not qualified 
because of an error in the Registrar's records then the Elections Commission may, by majority 
vote, recommend the Supreme Court declare the office vacant. The office shall be filled by a 
majority vote of the Student Senate, unless the office is that of the Student Body President, Vice 
President, Treasurer, whereas the office shall be subject to general elections. 
 
733.0 
No candidate’s name shall appear on the ballot when that candidate fails to qualify as a candidate 
with the Supervisor of Elections prior to the time of the closing of the qualifying period. The 
qualifying period ends at 5 P.M. on the third Tuesday preceding the spring and fall general elections. 
After this time a person may change their registration with a political party or change to 
independent status only if they are not included on the political party’s list of candidates listed in 
Section 742.1, S.B.S. In all cases, only those persons who are not listed on a political party slate as 
described in Section 742.1, S.B.S. may be reclassified as independent. Political parties may not fill 
originally vacant candidate slots from those candidates originally classified (before 5:00 PM on the 
second Wednesday preceding the Spring and Fall General Elections) as independent or non-slated 
candidates from a different political party. 
 
733.01 
In order for a candidate who originally qualifies as an independent candidate or who was 
reclassified by the Supervisor of Elections as an independent candidate under Section 713.4, S.B.S. 
to become a candidate of a political party, the candidate must change their qualifications in writing 
with the Supervisor of Elections or the Supervisor of Elections’ designated Assistant 
Supervisor of Elections before the end of qualifying. Candidates who have not been slated by a 
political party may not change their classification to anything other than independent 
 
733.1 
All candidates shall qualify under the name with which they are registered at the University of Florida 
or under a reasonable variation of that name, subject to the approval of the Supervisor of Elections. 
No candidate may have an assumed name, or a nickname not derived from the name with which is 
on file at the University of Florida, appear on the ballot. Any attempt to qualify an assumed name is 
punishable as a violation of the Student Government Election Code. 
 
733.11 
In extenuating circumstances, an affidavit may be filed with the Supervisor of Elections if the 
qualifying name on the ballot does not align with a name on file with the University of Florida. Any 
affidavit filed with the Supervisor of Elections must be heard and approved by the Elections 
Commission by a majority vote at least fourteen (14) school days before the scheduled election. The 
decision of the 
Elections Commission may be appealed to the Supreme Court pursuant to Section 722.6, S.B.S. 
 
733.12 
Decisions made by the Supervisor of Elections under Section 733.1, S.B.S. may be appealed to the 
Elections Commission. 
 
733.2 
No candidate shall qualify for more than one office. If a person qualifies for an additional office 
or change of party, the previous qualifying shall be deemed void. 
 
733.3 
Upon qualifying, each candidate shall sign a waiver allowing Student Government to ascertain 
that each elected person continues to fulfill the eligibility requirements for such office during 
their term of office. 
 
733.4 
Falsification of information certified as correct to the Supervisor of Elections required in Section 
732.5, S.B.S. may result in disqualification. Each candidate shall determine that all information 
regarding their qualifications is correct prior to their qualifying for election. 
 
733.41 
Political parties are not liable or punishable for an individual candidate’s intentional or grossly 
negligent falsification of information during the qualifying stages of the election if they did not 
encourage the individual’s behavior. The Supervisor of Elections shall allot the political party 24 
hours to replace a candidate who intentionally or with gross negligence falsified information 
during qualifying. The party must choose a replacement for the disqualified candidate from those 
candidates who have already qualified. 
 
733.5 
All candidates must sign the following statement upon qualifying: "I understand that failure to 
comply with any portion of the Student Government Election Code is subject to penalty.” 
 
733.6 
If campaign material in violation of Student Government Election Code is observed for fifteen 
(15) minutes or greater, the Supervisor of Elections or one of the Assistant Supervisors of 
Elections shall attempt to contact the offending candidate, the president of the offending political 
party or their designee. If the Supervisor of Elections or an Assistant Supervisor of Elections is 
unable to make contact, the Supervisor of Elections or their designee, shall remove the offending 
material. 
 
733.7 
No candidate, group of candidates, political party personnel, staff member, faculty member, 
administrator, or any other University of Florida student or visitor may use the Office of Student 
Government’s copy machines, computers or other materials in the Student Government offices at 
any time for any type of partisan political purpose or use in any type of election. The Supervisor of 
Elections, the Assistant Supervisors of Elections, and the Elections Commissioners may use the 
Office of Student Government’s copy machines, computers or other materials in Student 
Government for any nonpartisan elections related purpose. 
 
734.0 
If a candidate who has qualified for office and has been placed on the ballot by the Supervisor of 
Elections wishes to withdraw from the election, the candidate may withdraw if the candidate 
informs the Supervisor of Elections in writing that the candidate no longer wishes to remain on 
the ballot no later than the second Wednesday immediately preceding the first day of the election 
by 5:00 P.M. If a political party slated a candidate, that political party may replace that withdrawn 
candidate with a candidate who has already been qualified as an independent, up until two hours 
prior to the finalization of the ballot as dictated by the Supervisor of Elections at the mandatory 
meeting described in Section 713.5, S.B.S. 
 
735.0 
Candidates may be excused from the mandatory candidate meeting listed in Section 713.5, S.B.S. 
by submitting a written excuse for their absence no later than noon on the day of the meeting, or 
by receiving special permission from the Supervisor of Elections and/or the Elections 
Commission. All candidates who do not attend and who have not been excused by the Supervisor 
of Elections or the Elections Commission shall be disqualified. 
 
736.0 
Any candidate stricken from the certified list may appeal to the Division of Student Affairs for 
issues of academic qualifications or the Elections Commission for issues of Student Government 
qualifications if the person believes they are qualified for office. Any error corrected by the 
Division of Student Affairs or the Elections Commission must be certified to the Supervisor of 
Elections no later than 5:00 P.M. on the second Wednesday preceding the election or the 
candidate will not be eligible for office. 
 
737.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall automatically reclassify any person originally qualifying as a 
party candidate who is not included on the list described in Section 742.0, S.B.S. as an independent 
candidate. In order for any candidate who was reclassified by the Supervisor of Elections to remain 
on the ballot as an independent candidate, that candidate shall notify the Supervisor of Elections, 
in writing, of their intent to remain an independent candidate. If an independent candidate does 
not notify the Supervisor of Elections of their intent to remain on the ballot within one (1) hour of 
the end of the meeting specified in 713.5, the Supervisor of Elections shall remove the candidate’s 
name from the ballot. This section does not apply to candidates who originally qualified as 
independent candidates and did not qualify as a candidate of a party before the deadline as stated 
in Section 742.1, S.B.S. 
 
738.0 
Any student attempting a write-in campaign must email the Supervisor of Elections that they 
intend to seek office prior to the close of polls on the second day of elections in order to be eligible 
for office. 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER 740  –  THE POLITICAL PARTIES  ACT (2000-141, 2001-112, 2001-141,   2002-144,  2004-116, 
2005-137, 2006-113, 2006-129, 2007-120, 2008-142, 2009-105, Board of Trustees ruling, 2010-100, 2010-102, 
2011-100, 2011-107, 2012-101, 2014-121, 2020-1024, 2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
740.1 
This subsection, from 740.001 to 749.999, shall be known as “The Political Parties Act.” 
 
     741.0 
All prospective political parties shall physically file a party registration form with the   
 
Supervisor of Elections or their designee at the Student Government office no sooner than  
 
9:00 AM seven (7) calendar days prior to the first day of qualifying and no later than noon of  
 
the day immediately prior to the first day of qualifications as specified in 733.0. The party  
 
registration form shall include the following information: 
(a) Name of party; 
(b) Name, student identification number, email address, and telephone number of the 
party president; 
(c) Name, student identification number, email address, and telephone number of the 
party treasurer;  
(d) Any information required to comply with Section 741.04. 
 
741.01 
The identity of the party president and party treasurer must be verified at submission. 
 
741.1  
When registering political parties, the name of the party may be retained by the students who used  
that name in the previous election. The party president (and only the party president) of the party 
from the previous semester has the right of first refusal to the party name if the party ran one (1) 
campaign in the last three (3) election cycles. If the party president does not want to use the name 
again, the name may be used by the group that submits the first complete registration form in 
accordance with Section 741.0, S.B.S.  
 
741.2  
The Supervisor of Elections shall submit a copy of each political party’s registration information  
 
to the Director of the Department of Student Activities and Involvement for registration as a  
 
student organization. Registration shall be valid through the tenth day after the results of the  
 
election are announced. 
 
742.0 
To qualify as a political party a prospective political party must fulfill one or more of the 
following: 
(a) Have candidates for the office of Student Body President, Student Body Vice 
President, and Student Body Treasurer; 
(b) Have at least 6 candidates for the Student Senate. 
 
742.01 
Any prospective political party that fails to meet Section 742.0, S.B.S. shall be disqualified. 
 
742.1 
A political party shall submit a list of all Senate and Executive candidates and the respective 
offices those candidates are seeking to the Supervisor of Elections no later than 11:59 A.M. on 
the next calendar day after qualifying ends. The political party shall certify that all persons 
included on the list have agreed to be candidates with only their political party. The list shall be 
alphabetized by last name in order of the respective offices the candidates are seeking and shall include 
each candidate's student identification number. A group of candidates may not run as a political party 
unless they have complied with this section. It is the responsibility of each political party/independent 
candidate to provide the Supervisor of Elections with all necessary information, compiled properly, by 
the deadline. The Supervisor of Elections shall submit a copy of this list to the Student Government 
Advising & Operations staff, pursuant to Section 713.3, S.B.S. 
 
744.0 
A political party may not select, and the Supervisor of Elections may not approve, a name that is 
so similar to any of the following so that it would confuse a reasonable voter: 
(a) A previously registered political party that has run one (1) campaign in the last three 
(3) election cycles and is running in the present election; 
(b) Any student organization registered with the Department of Student Activities 
and Involvement. 
(c) Any other party name previously registered and running in the present election that the 
Supervisor of Elections determines is likely to cause confusion. Registered names lapse 
after three (3) election cycles. Any decision of the Supervisor of Elections under this 
section may be appealed to the Elections Commission. 
 
744.1 
A political party may be held liable for the actions of individuals or organizations supporting it. 
If a complainant can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the candidate or political 
party solicited the individual, or organization to violate any provision of the Student Government 
Election Code in support of a candidate, the Elections Commission may hold the candidate or 
political party responsible. If the Elections Commission determines by preponderance of the 
evidence that an individual or organization deliberately violated this chapter in an attempt to 
penalize a candidate, the Elections Commission may refer the individual or organization to the 
Supreme Court. 
 
745.0 
A political party may replace a candidate who was disqualified with another candidate for that 
office if the new candidate (1) has qualified for the office, (2) is not already running for office 
with another recognized party, and (3) has submitted written approval of their qualification. 
Written approval must be submitted to the Supervisor of Elections no later than 5:00 
P.M. on the second Wednesday immediately preceding the election. 
 
746.0 
All political parties must comply with all rules and regulations governing student organizations 
set forth by the Department of Student Activities and Involvement. 
CHAPTER 750 – THE ELECTION FINANCE ACT (2000-141, 2006-129, 2010-103, 2012-101, 2020-1024, 
2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
750.1 
This subsection, from 750.001 to 759.999 shall be known as “The Election Finance Act.” 
 
751.0 
Each political party, or candidate, if running as an independent, shall submit to the Supervisor of 
Elections each Monday by 5:00 P.M. starting after the mandatory meeting referenced in Section 713.5, 
S.B.S. until the Monday following the election, as well as the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of 
election week, a statement of all contributions and expenditures. A copy of all bills received or paid 
by the political party or on the political party’s behalf are not required to be submitted, but shall be 
maintained by the political party or candidate in the event they are subpoenaed by the Supreme Court. 
 
751.1 
All political parties and independent candidates must submit financial reports on time even if no 
funds were raised or spent during that reporting period. 
 
751.2 
If a political party or independent candidate fails to submit a financial report pursuant to Section 
751.0, S.B.S. on time and in full, the Supervisor of Elections shall file a complaint against that 
party or candidate with the Elections Commission within 24 hours. 
 
751.3 
If the Elections Commission finds that a political party or independent candidate failed to file a 
financial report pursuant to Section 751.0, S.B.S. or filed a late financial report, the party or 
candidate shall be guilty of a violation of these Election Codes and be subject to penalty pursuant 
to Section 728.2, S.B.S. 
CHAPTER 760 – THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT (2000-141, 2002-144, 2002-155, Spring 2006 Ballot 
Initiative, 2006-129, 2007-131, 2008-107, 2009-101, 2011-100, 2012-101, 2012-107, 2012-SC: Students Party 
v. Swamp Party, 2013-SC: Students Party v. Swamp Party, 2016-104, re: “MERWITZER I”, 2020-1024, 2020- 
1043, 2020-1067, 2021-109) 
 
760.1 
This subsection, from 760.001 to 769.999, shall be known as “The Election Campaign Act.” 
 
761.1 
Campaign Activities begin on the first day of the active election cycle and ends immediately after 
the close of polls on the final day of elections. 
 
761.2 
The maintenance of a campaign website shall be permitted four weeks prior to the first date of 
Fall and Spring election and shall conclude at the end of both the Fall and Spring General 
election. 
 
761.3 
No candidate shall give, offer, or promise to any student or student organization any benefit not 
authorized by student body law in order to influence the votes of that student or members of that 
organization. 
 
762.0 
Candidates shall ensure that all “campaign material” as defined in Section 700.4(f), S.B.S. shall 
be labeled with the phrase "Registered Political Advertisement" or a phrase of similar import 
approved by the Supervisor of Elections. The phrase shall be followed by the name of the 
individual who authorized the creation of, disbursement of, or payment for, a piece of campaign 
material. In addition, all campaign material must be registered with the Supervisor of Elections 
or their Assistant Supervisors of Elections prior to the time of distribution. Procedures for 
distribution and posting of campaign material not provided for by the Student Government Election 
Code may be established by the Supervisor of Elections or by the Elections Commission. However, 
such procedures shall not be inconsistent with the Student Government Election Code and they shall 
not be effective unless presented in writing to the candidates and registered political parties twenty- 
four (24) hours prior to the time that any such procedures take effect. 
 
762.1 
The Supervisor of Elections and their designees have the exclusive right to create and distribute any 
election related materials emblazoned with the Student Government logo including, but not limited 
to, the official Student Government “I Voted” stickers, during the Election Cycle. 
 
762.2 
No candidate or representative of a political party may misrepresent any material as being the 
material of the Supervisor of Elections. 
 
762.21 
Any impersonation of another political party/independent candidate by a candidate, 
representative, or campaign material of another political party/independent candidate shall 
be considered an Election Violation. 
 
762.3 
Campaign material may only be posted on off-campus property in compliance with the laws and 
regulations applicable to Alachua County elections. 
 
762.4 
No unauthorized person may post or remove any campaign material of any candidate or political 
party. The Supervisor of Elections or Assistant Supervisors of Elections may remove any and all 
campaign material posted, displayed, or distributed in unauthorized locations pursuant to Section 733.6, 
S.B.S. 
762.41 
No candidate or political party shall destroy, remove or steal any campaign material of another 
candidate or political party. 
 
762.5 
No candidate or representative of a political party shall attach campaign material to any road 
surface or walkway on University property. 
 
762.65 
No candidate or representative of a political party shall distribute or place campaign material on 
any mode of transportation without the permission of the owner. 
 
762.7 
No candidate or representative of a political party shall place any campaign material in message 
boxes in residence halls, unless the campaign material conforms to University regulations, 
Department of Housing and Residence Education policies, and the Student Body Statutes. 
 
763.0 
Candidates may not campaign in classrooms. 
 
763.1 
No candidate or representative of a political party may engage in door-to-door campaigning on 
University property. 
 
763.11 
 No candidate or representative of a political party may knock on any door or attempt to enter any 
room if there appears in plain view, a written notice stating, “No Solicitors”, "No Campaigning", 
"Do Not Disturb with Campaigning", or words of substantially similar import. 
 
763.2 
No candidate for Student Senate may campaign during the time of or in any regular or special 
meeting of the Student Senate. Any candidate failing to comply with this provision may be 
disqualified from the election. 
 
763.3 
No candidate or representative of a political party shall campaign at any time when to do so 
would necessitate a violation of University regulations relating to visitation or solicitation on 
residence hall floors by members of the opposite sex. 
 
763.4 
Candidates may not campaign or distribute campaign materials in any library or designated study 
area. 
 
763.5 
No campaigning shall take place within fifty (50) feet of the door of any polling location or 
within fifty (50) feet of any queue of voters defined in Section 700.4 (z), S.B.S. waiting to vote, 
with the exception of the designated outdoor tabling space at the J. Wayne Reitz Union. 
 
764.0 
All emails sent regarding Student Government elections by candidates, parties, students, faculty, and 
administrators shall comply with the email usage regulations as promulgated by the Chief 
Information Officer in the “Acceptable Use of University Computing Resources Policy”. Any 
candidate, party, Student Government Official, or Officer of a Student Government Funded 
Organization who violates the rules herein defined shall be referred to the Elections Commission. 
CHAPTER 770 – THE GENERAL ELECTION ACT (2000-141, 2001-113, 2002-144, 2004-116, 2005-138, 
Spring 2006 Ballot Initiative, 2006-123, 2006-129, 2007-103, 2007-109, 2007-111, 2007-112, 2008-104, 2009- 
104, Board of Trustees ruling, 2010-100, 2011-115, 2012-101, 2012-107, 2020-1024, 2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
770.1 
This subsection, from 770.001 to 779.999 shall be known as “The General Election Act.” 
 
771.0 
No qualified elector may vote or be admitted to a voting booth unless the elector presents to a poll 
worker, as referred to in Section 700.4(y), S.B.S. their University identification card or an official 
picture ID which matches their name to the University registrar’s list as evidence of the 
elector’s eligibility to vote as a student or verifies their identity through an electronic method of 
voter verification as defined in Section 700.4 (o), S.B.S. 
 
771.4 
Secure location online voting is legal and may be utilized in Student Government elections 
 
771.5 
No voting process shall be allowed that is contrary to the provisions provided in Section 771.0, S.B.S. 
 
771.7 
Unsecured Site Online Voting as defined under Section 700.4(gg), S.B.S. shall not be allowed. 
 
771.8 
Secure Location Electronic Voting as defined under Section 700.4(dd), S.B.S. shall be allowed. 
 
771.9 
LEGISLATIVE INTENT – The Student Senate expressly affirms the importance of ballot 
integrity and prohibits any voting method that does not guarantee an elector the privacy of an 
insulated voting booth as defined in Section 700.4(ii), S.B.S. 
 
771.10 
LEGISLATIVE INTENT – In order to protect the integrity of the electoral process, this 
Legislature designates Secure Location Electronic Voting, as defined under Section 700.4(dd), 
S.B.S. as the preferable method by which elections shall be conducted. As such, Secure 
Location Electronic Voting shall be utilized in any Student Body Election in which feasibility 
is determined by the Supervisor of Elections. 
 
771.11 
For the purpose of determining an elector’s eligibility to vote, the Registrar's Office records shall be 
conclusive and binding. The Supervisor of Elections or the Elections Commission may establish 
procedures for the Registrar's Office to certify a corrected address or classification, such as a procedure 
for the elector to vote contrary to Registrar’s Office records by sworn affidavit. 
 
772.0 
In order for any amendments to the Student Body Constitution proposed by the Student Senate in 
accordance with Article VIII, Section 1 of the Student Body Constitution to be placed on the 
ballot, they must have been finally approved by the Student Senate no later than twenty-eight (28) 
days prior to the spring general election and must be presented to the Supervisor of Elections no 
later than twenty-four (24) hours after final Student Senate approval. 
 
772.1 
For a referendum question to be placed on the ballot of a general election, it must pass final 
reading by a 2/3 vote of members of the Student Senate present and voting no later than twenty-
eight (28) calendar days before the first day of the election and must be presented to the 
Supervisor of Elections no later than twenty-four (24) hours after passing final reading. 
 
773.0 
Amendments to the Student Body Constitution proposed by petition in accordance with Article VIII, 
Section 2 of the Student Body Constitution in accordance with Section 773.1, S.B.S. shall be filed 
with the Supreme Court no later than twenty-eight (28) calendar days before the beginning of a general 
election. If all constitutional and other requirements established by law are satisfied, the Supreme 
Court shall certify the petition to the Supervisor of Elections for inclusion on the ballot. 
 
773.1 
All petitions filed with the Supreme Court as provided in Section 773.0, S.B.S. shall satisfy 
all of the following requirements: 
(a) All names must be accompanied by the signature of the individual who allegedly 
signed the petition; 
(b) All signatures must be in non-erasable ink; 
(c) All names must be signed exactly as the person's name is recorded with the Registrar's 
Office; 
(d) All names must be followed by a student identification number. 
(e) Each page containing signatures shall have the proposed initiative statement of intent 
or referendum question stated in full at the top of the page; 
(f) Each page containing signatures shall include the identity and signature of the person 
responsible for securing signatures for that page and that person shall certify all of the 
following: 
(1) All signatures were made by different individuals; 
(2) No threats or coercive statements were made to induce a person to sign the 
petition; 
(3) The signature of the person responsible for securing the signatures may only 
be counted once. 
(g) Each page containing signatures shall include the statement: “Upon request, the full 
text of the amendment shall be made immediately available to any signatories.” 
 
773.11 
Student Government Advising & Operations staff will verify that individuals who have signed a 
petition in accordance with Section 773.0, S.B.S. are currently registered University of Florida 
students. 
 
773.12 
Student Government Advising & Operations staff need only verify enough signatures to ensure 
that the petition has met the minimum threshold in Article VIII, Section 2 of the Student Body 
Constitution.  
 
773.2 
The full text of the amendment shall be available to all signatories at the time of signing. 
 
773.3 
The Supreme Court shall not certify any petition failing to meet the requirements of section 
773.1, S.B.S. 
 
773.4 
Certification of a petition pursuant to Section 773.0, S.B.S. will be by majority vote of the 
Supreme Court. Any certification must take place no later than eleven (11) days before an election 
in order for a referendum to appear on the ballot for that election. 
 
774.0 
Each qualified elector shall be responsible for ensuring that their registration and address are 
current and correct on the Registrar's Office records. 
 
775.0 
Every elector that requests an absentee ballot from the Supervisor of Elections by the second 
Wednesday immediately preceding the election by 5:00 P.M. may cast an absentee ballot in lieu 
of an election ballot. The Supervisor of Elections shall deliver an absentee ballot to an absent 
elector making a timely request for an absentee ballot no later than five (5) business days before 
the election. The Supervisor of Elections shall ensure that a stamped, self-addressed envelope 
and instructions on the use of an absentee ballot accompanies each absentee ballot. 
 
775.1 
An absentee elector shall return the absentee ballot they have been issued pursuant to Section 
775.0, S.B.S. to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by mail or any other means that the 
Supreme Court deems proper. An absentee ballot may not be counted unless received by the Chief 
Justice of the Supreme Court before the closing of polls of the election. 
 
775.11 
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Chief Justice’s designee from the Supreme Court, 
as provided in the Student Body Constitution, shall count the votes cast by absentee ballot, and 
the absentee voter’s right to a secret ballot shall be preserved. Before an absentee ballot is 
counted, the Chief Justice or the Chief Justice’s designee from the Supreme Court shall 
determine from the rolls of electors used at the regular polling places, that the elector has cast no 
other ballot. 
 
775.2 
The Supervisor of Elections shall determine the form of the application for absentee ballot and 
the form of the absentee ballot pursuant to Section 714.0, S.B.S. 
 
775.21 
The absentee ballot application shall include sections for students to provide their name, UFL 
email, UFID, phone number, local address, and mailing address. 
 
775.22 
The absentee ballot shall contain names of all candidates that appear on the corresponding ballots, 
and shall contain adequate provision for writing in the names of candidates not appearing thereon, 
unless the absentee ballot is to be used in a run-off election. The Supervisor of Elections shall 
ensure that the absentee ballot clearly indicates each office for which the voter is eligible to vote. 
 
776.0 
Any registered student organization may use the voting machine at its own expense, with the 
approval of the Supervisor of Elections. 
 
776.3 
The Student Senate may by law or resolution require a fee for an organization to use a voting 
machine or voting machines. 
 
777.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall ensure that all polling locations: 
(a) are on the ground floor of any building, room, or area that is not equipped with an 
Americans with Disabilities Act accessible passenger elevator; 
(b) are not in a building or room that does not have an ADA accessible doorway; 
(c) have a readily accessible table that can accommodate a person using a wheelchair. 
Any such table shall be equipped with a privacy booth; 
(d) have adequate space for a person using a wheelchair or a walker to access the 
location; and 
(e) are equipped with any other materials that may be necessary for compliance with the 
ADA. 
 
778.0 
Any elector who casts or attempts to cast more than one ballot, or tamper with an election system, 
in any election shall be guilty of a violation of the Student Government Election Code. 
 
778.1 
Any voter who casts, or attempts to cast, more than one ballot, tampers with an election system, 
or attempts to register to vote at a regular polling location more than once in any election or 
attempts to vote at a regular polling location after submitting an absentee ballot, or submits an 
absentee ballot after voting at a regular polling location shall be guilty of an offense against the 
Student Body. 
 
778.2 
The Supervisor of Elections shall investigate any alleged violation of Section 778.1, S.B.S. 
 
778.3 
The Supreme Court shall have jurisdiction over any alleged violation of Section 778.1, S.B.S and may 
punish any violation of Section 778.1, S.B.S. by any of the range of sanctions available to the Supreme Court. 
 
     778.31  
If the Supreme Court is unable to accept jurisdiction over alleged violations of Section 778.1, S.B.S., the 
Supervisor of Elections shall refer any alleged violations of Section 778.1, S.B.S. to the office of Student 
Conduct and Conflict Resolution. 
CHAPTER 780 – THE ELECTION TABULATION AND VALIDATION ACT (2000-141, 2002-144, 2006- 
129, 2014-114, 2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
 
780.0 
This subsection, from 780.001 to 789.999, shall be titled “The Election Tabulation and Validation 
Act” and shall be concerned with the election procedures of validation. 
 
781.0 
The Supervisor of Elections shall present the vote totals to the Student Senate. 
782.0 
The Chair of the Elections Commission may present the Elections Commission’s recommendation of 
validation of the vote totals to the Student Senate. If the Elections Commission recommends 
invalidation, then the Chair of the Elections Commission shall present the report created pursuant to 
Section 729.2, S.B.S. to the Student Senate. 
 
783.0 
The Student Senate shall have sole responsibility for validation of elections by a majority vote 
provided any decision to invalidate is based upon fraud or gross unfairness as supported by the 
findings of fact from the Elections Commission. The Student Senate may obtain a recommendation 
to validate or not to validate from the Elections Commission based solely upon findings of fact 
pursuant to Section 729.2, S.B.S. 
CHAPTER 790 STUDENT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM ACT (2000-141, 2001-114, 
2002-144, 2004-116, 2006-129, 2007-109, 2008-128, 2019-111, 2020-1043, 2021-109) 
 
790.0 
This chapter shall be titled the “Student Government Referendum Act.” 
 
790.1 
Referendum questions to be proposed by petition must be submitted to the Elections Commission 
to be amended and approved prior to signatures being collected. All signatures must be collected 
within seven (7) school days of the referendum question being approved by the Elections 
Commission to ensure that it fulfills all the requirements of Section 773.1, S.B.S. 
 
790.2 
Referendum questions may be proposed by a petition containing the signatures of 1,000 
members of the electorate. Any petition created under this section must be filed with the 
Elections Commission no later than twenty-eight (28) calendar days before the election that 
the petitioner intends to place the referendum questions on the ballot. 
 
790.21 
Referendum questions approved by a majority of the students voting on the question shall be 
considered enacted and shall be treated in the same manner as resolutions adopted by the Student 
Senate. 
 
790.3 
The Elections Commission shall review the referendum, signatures, and all other 
corresponding documents following the collection of signatures, to ensure that it 
effectively conveys its legislative intent and fulfills all of the requirements of Section 773.1, 
S.B.S. 
 
790.4 
Failure to meet the requirements of Sections 773.1(a), 773.1(b), 773.1(c), or 773.1(d), S.B.S. 
may result in particular signatures being disqualified by the Elections Commission. Entire 
pages may also be disqualified if they do not comply with Sections 773.1(e), 773.1(f), or 
773.1(g), S.B.S., and all signatures collected by the offending petitioner may be disqualified 
if the petitioner collecting signatures did not comply with Section 773.2, S.B.S. The Elections 
Commission may, at their discretion, use a random sampling technique to verify signatures and 
validate petitions. 
 
790.5 
The Elections Commission shall deliver all referendum questions to the Supervisor of 
Elections no later than the second Friday immediately preceding the election by 5:00 P.M. 
if the referendum questions conform to the Student Body Statutes. 
 
790.6 
LEGISLATIVE INTENT – The legislative intent of this act is to recognize that the Student Body 
retains sovereignty over its Student Government and the right to establish its opinion on certain 
issues. This act intends to establish procedures by which students can promote referendum 
questions.