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Student Referenda

Students walking across Keele campus on an early spring day.

Referenda at York University

A referendum is a democratic process that allows members of a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø to participate in decision-making on important issues such as changes to laws, constitutions, fee or other matters that affect the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Participating and voting is your opportunity to express your opinions, influence the direction of the York 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and ensure that decisions are made with your input.

Stay informed and engaged by exploring the resources available on this website. Your voice matters, and together we can shape the future of our university 51³Ô¹ÏÍø through active participation in referendums.

Active Referendums

There are no currently active referendums.

REFERENDUM PROCESS

REFERENDUM DETAILS

ORGANIZATIONS

If your student organization is considering a referendum, please follow the steps outlined below. Note that the process outlined applies to referendums for next academic year (2025-2026).

Craft a statement for your organization detailing the purpose and goals of the referendum. Be sure to address:

  • Purpose and Intent: Why is the referendum necessary?
  • Objectives: What does your organization hope to achieve through this process?

It’s essential to inform the Vice Provost of Students about your intent to hold a referendum. When doing so, include:

  • Proof of Eligibility: Documentation confirming that your organization has been active for a minimum of two years.
  • Statement of Intent: A rationale for holding the referendum (refer to Step 1).

Timeline: October 10, 2025, prior to Fall Reading Week.

To set up the petition process effectively, schedule a meeting with Student Community and Leadership Development (SCLD). They can guide you on the requirements and best practices that will strengthen your petitioning efforts.

To show substantial support for your referendum, collect petition signatures from at least 10% of your constituency or student body. This will demonstrate the importance and widespread backing of your cause. Each signature should include:

Information to Collect:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Student Number
  • Email
  • Phone Number

Approved Methods:

  • YU Connect

Click the link below to see how to create your petition form on YU Connect. Your petition must be reviewed prior to going live.

Submit the completed petition through YU Connect to Student Community and Leadership Development (SCLD). If planning for a referendum in March, be sure to submit your petition package by November 14, 2025. Any questions can be directed to Masood Syed mbksyed1@yorku.ca

YU CONNECT

Your petition report will be reviewed and your organization will be notified of the decision by early December. (December 12, 2025). This will involve not only review of the report but also consultation with campus stakeholders.

If approved, your organization must meet with the CRO in January. This meeting will cover policies and guidelines for education, campaigning, and other logistical requirements for the referendum.

The campaigning period is set for late February (beginning February 23, 2026) until the voting period begins, allowing time to communicate your referendum’s purpose and engage the student body.

Voting typically takes place within the first or second week of March (March 9, 2026), providing students the opportunity to vote on the referendum.  The CRO will provide written instructions on the rules around promoting the referendum that the organization must adhere to. Failure to do so will result in demerit points and potentially the voiding of the vote entirely requiring the process to be restarted the following year.

Following the vote, results and supporting documentation are submitted to the Board of Governors for review.  Upon Board approval, any applicable fees will be applied accordingly to the upcoming school year.

  • Online voting for students provides the opportunity to have their voices heard from the comfort of their own devices.
  • Through a secure online platform - YU VOTE, students can access the referendum ballot and cast their votes conveniently by logging in with your passport york account.
  • Once the voting period concludes, results are tabulated and communicated transparently, reflecting the collective will of the student body.
  • To learn more about the platform and process please visit

If you believe there have been violations during a referendum campaign, you can submit a complaint for review. Violations may include:

  • Displaying campaign materials in prohibited areas
  • Spreading false or misleading information
  • Coercing or intimidating voters
  • Offering incentives for votes, or
  • Falsely claiming endorsements without permission.

Please note:

  • Complaints are not confidential, but efforts to protect the identity of the complainant will be undertaken
  • Please prepare any documentation to be submitted including photos, documents and statements
  • The complaint intake form will only be made available during the duration of the referendum and voting period.

We ensure fair and transparent handling of complaints, investigating each case thoroughly to uphold the integrity of the referendum process.

Together, we strive to maintain a respectful and equitable environment for all students during the referendum period. Your participation in upholding the standards of conduct ensures the integrity of our democratic processes. Thank you for your commitment to fairness and accountability.

Campaign Guidelines

For more information please contact our CRO at ero@yorku.ca