Frequently asked questions candidate filing period


Revised for the 2024 election.

Will write-in candidates be allowed?
Write-in voting is only allowed in a category when too few people file to fill all the spots up for election. Anyone who wishes to run for Staff Congress should file the form during the filing period.

How do I choose which category I should run in?
All categories except for at-large are limited to those classified in that particular category. For example someone classified as a clerical worker can run in the secretarial/clerical category or in the at-large category. Human Resources will verify which category a person is in. Should Human Resources have someone classified in a different category from what the candidate selected, the candidate will be contacted and given an option to run in the appropriate category or in the at-large category.

How long will the winners serve?
Staff Congress representatives serve a three-year term. The term of those elected will begin July 1, 2024 and expire on June 30, 2027.

Are those currently holding these positions seeking re-election?
Staff currently serving on Staff Congress whose terms expire this year will have to file to run for re-election if they want to appear on the ballot. It is not known at this time which Staff Congress members in expiring terms will choose to seek re-election.

Is it true incumbents always win re-election?
No. Several Staff Congress members lost their re-election bids as recently as the 2020 elections.

How are employment categories determined?
Each member of staff falls into one of four categories. Employees working at Breathitt Veterinary Center are categorized as BVC. All other MSU staff are placed into one of three categories by Human Resources based on the employee’s job duties. Staff Congress has no control over an employee’s classification.

Do I need to know my category to vote?
Your employment category has been programmed into the system. You will automatically see the races in which you are eligible to vote.

What is the at-large category?
All staff are able to vote in the at-large category.

Why can’t I vote for someone in a different employment category?
If the candidate is running for an at-large position you can vote for him/her. Candidates running in a particular employment category are elected by staff in that category. They provide a voice on Staff Congress for that category of employee.

When will the candidate list be announced?
The candidate list will be announced after the filing period ends and Human Resources has verified the candidates. 

When is the election?
This year’s election will run from 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, April 24.

When will the results be announced?
Election results will be announced Thursday morning, April 25.

Scroll to Top