The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Final Report
Of The PGSS 2013
Autumn By-election Referendums
Contents:
Introduction & Purpose (2)
Finance (2)
Budget (2)
Referendum Expenses (3)
Analysis and Suggestions (3)
Outcome (5)
Wording (5)
Raw Results (8)
Participation by Time and Emails Sent (10)
Participation by Department (10)
Election Oversight (14)
Proposed Reforms (15)
Introduction & Purpose
This document seeks to offer PGSS council members an inside glimpse of the workings of
the referendum processes, including proposals for change, as well as to offer any future Chief
Returning Officer with advice as to run these campaigns in the most effective and efficient manner
possible. Unlike the General Elections Report, this document contains recommendations for change.
Readers are also invited to review the bylaws, the SAM and various electoral documents on the
PGSS website along with this document. Members are further requested to look to the proposed
reforms section, at the end of this document. This section addresses the concerns raised in other
parts of this document.
1
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Finance
Budget
Item
Estimate
Cost
Paid
Breakdown
Posters (print Byelection)
Distribution (byelection)
75
35
71.28
35
P
P
R = Requested
I = Internal
Posters (byelection Graphic)
Translation (Documents)
Translation (Blurbs)
80
10
60
90
20
60
P
EST - I
EST - I
N = No
P = Paid
EST = Estimated
Posters (print hustings)
Distribution (Hustings)
Posters (Husting Graphic)
Printing (internal)
Hustings (transport)
Hustings (catering)
70
35
60
10
55
100
51.3
35
30
2
0
137.35
P
I
P
EST - I
NA
I
(Internal expenses
Are not provided)
Chair Expenses
Facebook adverts
PGSA Incentive
Total
Total remaining annual
budget
500
100
120
1310
294.06
122.22
100
1048.21
P
P
I
$3,029.56
3291.35
Shuttle
148.23 + 145.83
Referendum Expenses1
Type
Writing Centre - YES
McGill Tribune - YES
Postdoc Service Fee - YES
1
Website, Print materials
Gift for speaker, Print materials
All expenses are borne by PGSS
2
Total Expenses
None incurred
148.23
145.83
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Analysis & Suggestions
The allocated budget is more than sufficient to cover the expenses this office needs to
occur, barring any extreme circumstances; though, it is worth nothing that certain internal expenses
may not have ever been deducted from the original budget as these expenses are often billed to
general budgets, rather than a specific line. It is further worth noting that the salary of the Chief
Returning Officer is also billed to a separate billing line.
While the reforms proposed to PSAC in the spring have only recently begun to go to council,
it is clear that they shall prove to be effective at reducing electoral expenses. Notably, when one
looks to the budget, one sees that the hustings garner a massive expenses relative to their turnout (at
one such event expenses, including the CRO’s salary, amounted to 80 dollars a participant [note that
only one person showed up for the hustings]). Furthermore, the complexity of PGSS’s occasionally
incongruent bylaws results in excess time spent working with members and candidates. Of note in
this election, was the need to explain to several voters on the ballot method (PGSS requires that one
use STV – a voting system which would oblige one to assign a number to an option, which is a
seemingly bizarre concept for yes/no questions). Lastly, in that which concerns the previously
proposed changes, this election could have potentially cost the society more than a thousand dollars
more due to the SAM article allocating three hundred dollars to referendum committees (limited by
an annual maximum). It seems reasonable to limit campaigns to a lower budget – indeed, in this
case no chairperson exceeded one hundred fifty dollars. The turnout and success of the sponsored
campaigns (including the campaign without any expenses) would suggest that this amount was more
than sufficient to cover an ampule referendum campaign.
Advertising continues to be a major part of the electoral budget, comprising over half of the
incurred costs. As said previously, having paper, television, digital, website, facebook, and email
based advertisements each carry a specific benefit and downside; however, the role of the latter four
items seems to impart a greater effect on voter turnout than the former two. While only a layman’s
estimation, it seems the paper advertisements, that is posters, are limited in their reach; conversely,
listserv and ‘prodding’ emails (sent to those members who have not yet voted) seem to be the most
effective, whilst being free to distribute. Facebook publicity also seems to be an extremely effective
possibility, in terms of increasing voter turnout. The problem with this method continues to be the
limited reach of PGSS’s facebook page, as well as its exclusive management by the helpful and
accommodating Internal Affairs Officer. Noting that the reach of the account has been increasing,
and that PGSS counts itself amount one of the better student societies in terms of facebook reach, we
still only have, at the present moment, less than a fifth of our present membership as friends.
Assuming our members follow the patterns of their peers, it is reasonable to suggest that the
commanding majority of our members have such an account. Now, given the extremely good value
of this form of online advertising, this office strongly suggests the continued expansion of the
Society’s facebook profile. Again, some societies have done well with membership drives by way
of in-person sign ups at events, contests, online ‘races’ (that is, first so many members to do
3
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
something win a prize [ex: post a picture of themselves at Thomson House]). Looking to the second issue
at hand, Facebook governance, it is requested that PGSS develop a means to extend control of the facebook
page to staff as well as Executives as so the former is able to conduct administrative tasks using it, as we do
for the website; nevertheless, the cooperation of the current Internal Affairs Officer is commended. Extended
control to staff would have permitted the CRO to save time, and thus cost to the society, in conducting affairs
on this officer’s schedule. As a concluding note, it is important to note the Elections Committee continues to
be devoid of members. As a result, a PGSS staffer was obliged to carry out certain tasks which could
otherwise be provided by volunteer work.
Outcome
Wording
Question
1 – Writing
Centre
English Question
French Question
Do you agree that a non-optAcceptez-vous d’instaurer des frais
outable fee of $1.50 per term
obligatoires de 1,50 $ par trimestre
(excluding summer) to support (sauf l'été) et par étudiant des cycles
1 - Centre de the McGill Writing Centre be
supérieurs (temps plein, temps
rédaction de charged to all full-time, part-time partiel, session supplémentaire) afin
l’Université and additional session Graduate de contribuer au centre de rédaction
McGill
Students, starting in Winter 2014 de l’Université McGill pour une
and up to and including Winter période de trois ans à partir de
2016? It is understood that a
janvier 2014? Si les « non »
majority “no” vote would result l’emportent, vous n’aurez plus accès
in the termination of all one-on- aux conseils personnalisés offerts
one tutorial services for graduate par le centre de rédaction. Ces frais
students provided by the Writing pourraient être renouvelés par un
Centre. This fee could be renewed referendum au printemps 2016.
by a student fee referendum in
the Spring 2016.
4
Options
No /
Yes
Oui /
Non
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
2 – McGill
Tribune
(Newspaper)
McGill
Tribune
(Journal)
Do you agree that, starting with Acceptez-vous de financer le McGill No /
the Winter 2014 term, a non-opt- Tribune en instaurant des frais
Yes
outable fee of $0.75 be charged to obligatoires de 0,75 $ par trimestre
every PGSS member once per
(sauf le trimestre d’été) payables par Oui /
semester (excluding summer) up tous les membres de l’AÉCSUM à Non
to and including the Winter 2015 compter du trimestre d’hiver 2014
term, to support the operations of jusqu’au trimestre d’hiver 2015
the McGill Tribune, thereby
inclusivement? Vous deviendriez
making PGSS members members ainsi des membres de la Tribune
of the Tribune Publications
Publications Society. Si ces frais sont
Society? This fee could be
instaurés, un référendum aura lieu
renewed following a student fee au printemps 2015 afin de
referendum in the Spring 2015. déterminer s’ils seront prolongés.
3 - PostDoctorate
Student
Services Fee
Levy
Do you agree that, beginning
Winter 2014 and continuing until
Spring 2018, a non-opt-outable
Student Services Ancillary fee of
$136.46 for full time (10 weeks or
more per semester) or $81.87 for
part time (less than 10 weeks per
Frais pour les semester) be charged to Post
services
Doctoral Fellows with the
étudiants
understanding that passing this
fee will result in Post Doctoral
Fellows having access to all
Student Services and the creation
**Only for
of programming within the
Post-Doctoral Student Services units specific to
Fellows
the needs of Post Doctoral
Fellows?
5
Acceptez-vous d’instaurer des frais No /
afférents de 136,46 $ par trimestre Yes
(pour les étudiants qui sont inscrits
au, au moins, 10 semaines de
Oui /
formation par trimestre) ou $ 81.87 Non
par trimestre (pour les étudiants qui
sont inscrits au moins que 10
semaines de formation par
trimestre) payables par les étudiants
au postdoctorat seulement pour leur
donner accès aux services étudiants?
Ces frais s’appliqueraient à compter
du trimestre d’hiver 2014 et seraient
renouvelables au printemps 2018. Ils
seraient automatiquement prélevés
pour chaque trimestre qu’un
postdoctorant est inscrit à
l’université, et donneraient accès à
l’ensemble des services étudiants, en
plus de financer la création de
programmes visant à combler les
besoins particuliers des étudiants au
postdoctorat.
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Raw Results
McGill Writing Centre
Votes required to elect a candidate
515
No
Yes
Elected Yes due to highest 1st preference
310 1st preference votes
719 1st preference votes
No
Yes
310 1st preference votes
Elected (719 votes)
Ranked Ballots
No Opinion
TOTAL:
1029 (95.1)%
53 (4.9)%
1082
Round 1
Round 2
McGill Tribune (Newspaper)
Votes required to elect a candidate
508
No
Yes
Elected Yes due to highest 1st preference
445 1st preference votes
569 1st preference votes
No
Yes
445 1st preference votes
Elected (569 votes)
Ranked Ballots
No Opinion
TOTAL:
1014 (93.7)%
68 (6.3)%
1082
Round 1
Round 2
6
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Post-Doctorate Student Services Fee Levy
Restriction: Postdoctoral Fellows
Votes required to elect a candidate
91
No
Yes
Elected Yes due to highest 1st preference
83 1st preference votes
98 1st preference votes
No
Yes
83 1st preference votes
Elected (98 votes)
Ranked Ballots
No Opinion
TOTAL:
181 (97.8)%
4 (2.2)%
185
Round 1
Round 2
7
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Results by Time & Emails Sent
^
Newswire
(Pre-voting)
^
Vote Now email
(Day 2, 9 AM)
E m a i l s
^
^
Reminder email 1
Reminder email 2
(Day 3, 10 AM)
(Day 5, 2 PM)
S e n t
T o
M e m b e r s
Results by Department
Parameters: Cumulative - All polls
Agricultural Economics:
Air and Space Law:
Anaesthesia:
Anatomy and Cell Biology:
Animal Science:
Anthropology:
Architecture:
Art History & Communications:
Enrollment
15 (0.2%)
39 (0.5%)
2 (0.0%)
38 (0.4%)
18 (0.2%)
58 (0.7%)
109 (1.3%)
91 (1.1%)
8
Votes
1
9
0
6
1
6
15
17
Percent of Year
6.7%
23.1%
0.0%
15.8%
5.6%
10.3%
13.8%
18.7%
Percent of Tot.
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences:
Biochemistry:
Biology:
Biomedical Engineering:
Bioresource Engineering:
Chemical Engineering:
Chemistry:
Civil Engineering:
Commun Sciences & Disorders:
Comparative Law:
Computer Science:
Dentistry:
Dietetics & Human Nutr:
Earth & Planetary Sciences:
East Asian Studies:
Economics:
Educational&Counselling Psych:
Electrical & Computer Engr:
English:
Epidemiology and Biostatistics:
Family Medicine:
Food Science&Agr.Chemistry:
French Language & Literature:
Geography:
History and Classical Studies:
Human Genetics:
Information Studies:
Ingram School of Nursing:
Institute for Study of Canada:
Integrated Studies in Ed:
Islamic Studies:
Jewish Studies:
Kinesiology and Physical Ed:
Language & Intercultural Comm.:
59 (0.7%)
149 (1.7%)
178 (2.1%)
94 (1.1%)
128 (1.5%)
101 (1.2%)
193 (2.3%)
132 (1.5%)
84 (1.0%)
5 (0.1%)
191 (2.2%)
76 (0.9%)
87 (1.0%)
54 (0.6%)
21 (0.2%)
63 (0.7%)
350 (4.1%)
378 (4.4%)
83 (1.0%)
173 (2.0%)
1 (0.0%)
81 (0.9%)
69 (0.8%)
82 (1.0%)
109 (1.3%)
137 (1.6%)
230 (2.7%)
135 (1.6%)
1 (0.0%)
509 (5.9%)
34 (0.4%)
6 (0.1%)
50 (0.6%)
2 (0.0%)
9
10
25
29
17
24
14
37
8
10
3
21
8
11
8
7
6
13
43
8
19
0
13
8
13
22
37
41
11
1
35
3
0
1
1
16.9%
16.8%
16.3%
18.1%
18.8%
13.9%
19.2%
6.1%
11.9%
60.0%
11.0%
10.5%
12.6%
14.8%
33.3%
9.5%
3.7%
11.4%
9.6%
11.0%
0.0%
16.0%
11.6%
15.9%
20.2%
27.0%
17.8%
8.1%
100.0%
6.9%
8.8%
0.0%
2.0%
50.0%
0.1%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
0.3%
0.2%
0.4%
0.1%
0.1%
0.0%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2%
0.5%
0.1%
0.2%
0.0%
0.2%
0.1%
0.2%
0.3%
0.4%
0.5%
0.1%
0.0%
0.4%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Languages,Literatures,Cultures:
Law:
Linguistics:
Management:
Mathematics and Statistics:
Mechanical Engineering:
Medical Physics Unit:
Medicine:
Microbiology & Immunology:
Mining & Materials Engineering:
Music:
Natural Resource Sciences:
Neurology and Neurosurgery:
Neuroscience, Integrated Pgm:
Obstetrics & Gynecology:
Occupational Health:
Oncology:
Ophthalmology:
Otolaryngology Head/Neck Surg.:
Parasitology:
Pathology:
Pediatrics:
Pharmacology and Therapeutics:
Philosophy:
Physical and Occupatnl Therapy:
Physics:
Physiology:
Plant Science:
Political Science:
Psychiatry:
Psychology:
Religious Studies:
Social Studies of Medicine:
Social Work:
44 (0.5%)
125 (1.5%)
27 (0.3%)
429 (5.0%)
95 (1.1%)
267 (3.1%)
15 (0.2%)
398 (4.6%)
75 (0.9%)
169 (2.0%)
299 (3.5%)
90 (1.1%)
73 (0.9%)
305 (3.6%)
2 (0.0%)
26 (0.3%)
23 (0.3%)
11 (0.1%)
15 (0.2%)
85 (1.0%)
13 (0.2%)
9 (0.1%)
78 (0.9%)
33 (0.4%)
390 (4.6%)
191 (2.2%)
70 (0.8%)
59 (0.7%)
86 (1.0%)
87 (1.0%)
95 (1.1%)
74 (0.9%)
3 (0.0%)
162 (1.9%)
10
4
28
5
26
10
42
2
33
14
35
32
21
19
34
0
1
5
1
1
7
1
1
14
7
20
25
11
18
17
15
15
9
1
17
9.1%
22.4%
18.5%
6.1%
10.5%
15.7%
13.3%
8.3%
18.7%
20.7%
10.7%
23.3%
26.0%
11.1%
0.0%
3.8%
21.7%
9.1%
6.7%
8.2%
7.7%
11.1%
17.9%
21.2%
5.1%
13.1%
15.7%
30.5%
19.8%
17.2%
15.8%
12.2%
33.3%
10.5%
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
0.3%
0.1%
0.5%
0.0%
0.4%
0.2%
0.4%
0.4%
0.2%
0.2%
0.4%
0.0%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.2%
0.1%
0.2%
0.3%
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.0%
0.2%
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Sociology:
Surgery:
Urban Planning:
TOTAL:
58 (0.7%)
101 (1.2%)
64 (0.7%)
8,561 (100%)
7
12.1%
10
9.9%
12
18.8%
1,082
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
12.6%
**NB – Some PGSAs may be formed differently than the data which is displayed above.
Parameters: Cumulative - All polls
Faculty of Dentistry:
Faculty of Law:
Faculty of Medicine:
Graduate Studies:
Post Graduate Medicine:
Postdoctoral Fellows:
School of Continuing Studies:
TOTAL:
Enrollment
1 (0.0%)
1 (0.0%)
17 (0.2%)
7,775 (90.8%)
67 (0.8%)
698 (8.2%)
2 (0.0%)
8,561 (100%)
11
Votes
0
1
0
893
2
185
1
1,082
Percent of Fac.
0.0%
100.0%
0.0%
11.5%
3.0%
26.5%
50.0%
Percent of Tot.
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
10.4%
0.0%
2.2%
0.0%
12.6%
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Elections Oversight
Given the relatively non-contentious nature of these referendum questions, contestations or
concerns of cheating were not expected. Nevertheless, this office endeavoured to maintain the
regulations of the society, despite certain vague, difficult or contradictory sections of the SAM.
Beyond the need to remind candidates of the obligations to attend hustings, or seek documentation of
their excused absences, no real concerns presented themselves regarding comportment. The McGill
Tribune assisted, to a grand extent, the work of that newspapers fee levy campaign; consequently,
the chairperson and society raised several concerns of conflict of interest. The elections committee
explained that, given the appeals board’s rejection of third party campaigning regulation (as seen in
the April 17th decision), the McGill Tribune was at liberty to campaign without restriction or
regulation; however, if its members engaged themselves to the campaign’s committee, then the
members would be governed under PGSS’s rules. In the interest of journalistic integrity, and
democratic ethics, the publication decided to enlist many of its administrators in the campaign
committee, and thus submit to the PGSS regulations. To maintain a distance between the paper and
the campaign, they avoided reporting on their aspects of the referendum, and ensured that
disengaged journalists would work with referendum matters that were published.
Turning to the grand public, the only notable concerns were those concerning the phrasing of
questions or the style of the ballot. Turning to the first item, certain voters felt the phrasing of the
postdoctoral student service fee levy ballot was confusing, and misleading. It seems reasonable to
assert that the many clauses of this section could render a member confused. Perhaps a list style
question or more layman’s phrasing would be a preferable avenue for future ballots. Additionally,
some members felt the phrasing of this question, and the first question (Writing Centre) was
designed to elicit a favourable response. Should PGSS wish to ensure referendum neutrality, it is
strongly recommended that council extends assessment powers to a neutral, technocratic body or
person as to propose alternative phrasing prior to voting, should a question present a bias. Turning
to the second item, the ballot, thirteen voters sought out the Chief Returning Officer’s assistance or
ear regarding the application of STV to the ordinal ballot. These members were frustrated, often
angry, with the use of this system with a Yes / No question. The society’s SAM requires the use of
rank ordered ballots for all ballots. Thusly, as an example, to the question « are you female? »
female members would have to say that they vote firstly for yes, they are, and secondly for no, they
are not. This is ludicrously illogical. This office implores PGSS council to adopt a more appropriate
system for integral or juxtaposed question.
12
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Proposed Reforms
9:1:1 – Role of CRO (change)
9:1:4 – Election Definitions
9:2:1:5 - Referendum Compliance Check
9:3:2:2 – Referendum Resubmission
9:4:2 - Executive Nomination Form
9:4:3 – Executive Nomination Form
9:5:3 – Chairperson Nomination Form
Section 6 – Withdrawal
Section 9 – Title, Scheduled Debates
9:11:1 – Candidate Expenses
9:12:3 – Voting Period
Section 16 – Election and Referendum voting method (change)
As to address the concerns raised over the course of this election by the CRO and voters, this
document provides even handed proposals to mitigate the standing issues. The changes proposed
herein seek to better clarify the SAM, and make it operate more in line with real practise. Very few
changes stray from the present SAM or from what is regularly done; however, one may wish to note
the proposed changes regarding:
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The reviewing of referendum questions by the Elections Committee
A lower threshold for chairperson nomination forms
The (partial) reimbursement of candidate expenses
An extended contestation period.
Please note these items have been reviewed and approved by the commanding
majority of the PSAC Committee, but will not be presented to council by this body
at the moment, despite their urgency.
13
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
9:1:1
Original
Change
There shall be a chief returning officer (CRO)
There shall be a Chief Returning Officer (CRO)
who is responsible for the implementation and
who is responsible for the application,
oversight of all PGSS petitions, elections and
administration and oversight of PGSS petitions,
referenda. The CRO will have discretion over
elections and referendums. The CRO will have
enforcing rules and regulations pertaining to
discretion over enforcing rules and regulations
elections, referenda and petitions contained within pertaining to elections, referendums and
this Manual. The CRO shall be responsible for petitions contained within this manual and the
all aspects of the administration of PGSS
PGSS Constitution (bylaws), with the CRO
elections and referenda.
retaining the right to enforce further
constraints in keeping with the spirit of these
regulations in areas lacking defined rules.
These constraints are intended to deal with the
implementation of items mentioned in these
two manuals.
Rationale:
In order to clear any ambiguity, this change seeks to grant the CRO retaining powers in cases of grey
areas which may continue to arise as new elements come up during the elections and referendums.
This proposal reflects the ruling of the Governance Committee and Appeals Board. It limits the
CRO’s powers to items specifically mentioned in this manual and the Bylaws.
14
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
9:1:4
Existing Clause
Change
(nothing)
Change
-
-
-
-
Candidate shall refer to anyone running for the position of a titled
officer.
Chair or Chairperson shall refer to anyone officially directing a
referendum committee
Election and elections shall refer to the election of a candidate.
Each election may have multiple candidates running for multiple
positions.
Referendum, referenda and referendums shall refer to questions
posed to voters to determine their will. Each question posed shall
be treated independently of the other.
Withdrawal shall refer to the removal of a candidate or chair from
this person’s position. It may be voluntary or on the mandate of a
PGSS body, including the CRO or Appeals Board within the limits
of the prescribed rules.
Regulations or rules include all rules applied to the elections and
referendums, including those imposed by the CRO within this
officer’s mandate, and those of the Bylaws and SAM.
Rationale:
The terms in the current regulations are confusing and vague. This gives them clear definitions.
9:2:1:5 (new)
Original
Change
Upon the distribution of the council package for
the February Council meeting; The Elections
Committee will assess the referendum question
for neutrality. Should this committee find them to
be misleading or incompatible with McGill or
Provincial Policy, this committee will propose a
change to the person who drafted the question. If
this individual and the committee cannot reach an
agreement on the wording prior to council, the
CRO will submit an alternative proposal to the
Chair, which will be added to the agenda prior to
15
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
the council meeting, and analysed by council
before the original question. Should the
committee and the drafter reach an agreement, the
chair should be contacted to have the question
revised.
Rationale:
Misleading or awkwardly phrased referendum questions have often resulted in issues for
implementation by McGill, or issues for voting. Many members have complained of confusion or of
being misled. This grants a technocratic body the opportunity to propose changes before council
makes the final decision.
9:3:2:2
Original
Change
A referendum question shall not be reintroduced
for a period of at least three (3) months, provided
that the referendum was valid pursuant to this
manual.
A defeated referendum question shall not be
reintroduced for a period of at least three (3)
months, provided that the referendum was valid
pursuant to this manual and the PGSS
Constitution (Bylaws).
Rationale:
This would permit referendums which do not pass because of technicalities, rather than lack of
support, to be resubmitted. It also adds bylaws to the article, which follows PGSS policy.
9:4:2
Original
Change
For the general elections, nominations shall be
For the election of executives, candidate must
submitted to the CRO by noon of the day of the submit original copies of their nomination forms
February council meeting. Such nomination shall to the CRO or PGSS Administrative Coordinator
be submitted in writing to the CRO and must be by noon on the day of the February council
signed by at least fifty (50) regular members of meeting. Such nomination forms must be signed
the PGSS.
by at least fifty (50) regular members of the PGSS
Rationale:
This addresses the ambiguity between the Chairperson nomination process and the Candidate
nomination process.
16
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
9:4:3.
Original
Change
Members signing a nomination form must supply Candidates make use of the nomination form
their name, student number, and email address. A supplied by the CRO. This form shall include
member may only endorse one candidate for each that which the CRO deems appropriate to
position. There shall be no limit to the number of include, as well as the name, student number, and
nominees for candidacy of each office.
email address of each nominator. There shall be
no limit to the number of nominators for each
candidacy of each office; however, nominators
may only nominate one nominee per office.
Rationale:
This empowers the CRO to adjust nomination forms to meet the needs of members, as well as
addresses lexical errors in the previous SAM.
9:5:3
Original
Change
For the election of referendum chairpersons, these
persons must submit original copies of their
nomination forms to the CRO or PGSS
Administrative Coordinator before the end of the
nomination period. Such nomination forms must
be signed by at least fifteen regular members of
the PGSS.
Rationale:
Based on the suggestions of the Governance Committee, the CRO has permitted chairpersons who
receive less than fifty signatures to chair. It seems overly onerous to demand such a hurdle for this
position.
17
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Section 6: Withdrawal from Elections
Original
Section 6: Withdrawal from Elections
Change
Section 6: Withdrawal and Disqualification of
Candidates or Chairpersons
9:6:3
Candidates and Chairs must inform the CRO of
violations in action (actions marked by a precise
event) within a reasonable delay to a maximum of
three days after the close of polls, and durational
violations (actions marked by an extended
timeframe) within three days of the close of polls.
Rationale:
These changes provide a better description of the section, as well as put in writing the requirement
for candidates to inform the CRO of violations.
Section 8: Scheduled Debates
Original
Section 8: Hustings
Change
Section 8: Scheduled Debates
Rationale:
No one knows what a hustings is, and if they do, they know that this word is both an archaism and a
misappropriation (a hustings is usually defined as a stage from which one gives a speech).
9:11:1
Original
Change
18
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Campaign materials used in support of the
election campaign of a candidate or referendum
committee, including all gifts and contributions,
shall not exceed a retail market value of three
hundred ($300) dollars.
Candidates may purchase materials for their
campaigns to a maximum retail value of $200
dollars of which the first $ 100 will be
reimbursed by the PGSS upon the completion of
an expense form if the candidate remains in
good standing with the election office. These
amounts with be indexed to inflation at $5
increments. Chairpersons may spend monies on
their campaigns to a maximum set by the CRO
based on 9:5:4 or $200, whichever is lower. This
amount will be reimbursed by the PGSS upon the
completion of an expense form if the
chairperson remains in good standing with the
election office.
Rationale:
Many Canadian student societies, as well as jurisdictions, reimburse campaign expenses in some sort
to ensure finances do not impede participation. The proposed system offers reimbursement up to an
amount PSAC considers sufficient to run a titled-officer campaign. The good standing requirement
also gives PGSS another enforcement mechanism for good behaviour.
9:12:3
Original
Change
The voting period will last a minimum of both
five business days and a seven calendar days to a
maximum of ten business days. Council must
approve the dates chosen by the CRO.
Rationale:
Requires council to approve dates, and sets a maximum.
9:15:1
19
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
Original
Change
The CRO, in consultation with the Elections
Committee shall invalidate the election, if upon
investigation, it is evident that there has been a
gross violation of the governing documents such
as to:…
The CRO, in consultation with the Elections
Committee, shall invalidate the election and/or
referendums, if, upon investigation, it is evident
that there has been a gross violation of significant
consequence of the governing documents such as
to:…
Rationale:
Grammar, and better defines what is being disqualified.
9:15:2:1
Original
Change
All complaints, protests, or petitions for a recount
must be made to the CRO not later than three (3)
calendar days after the closing of the polls. They
must be in written form and signed by a regular
member of the PGSS.
All complaints, protests, or requests to review
the result in frame must be made to the CRO not
later than five (5) calendar days after the closing
of the polls. They must either be in written form
and signed by a regular member of the PGSS or
be sent digitally with a typed name acting in
lieu of a signature.
Rationale:
Takes into account the use of an online voting system, permits online complaints, and extends the
complaints period to allow sufficient time for contestations.
9:16 Election and Referenda Results
Original
Change
9:16 Election and Referenda Results
9:16 Election and Referendum Voting Systems
1. Election polling
1. Election Results
1. For each ballot for the position of a
1.1. All completed ballots shall be tabulated
titled officer, voters must be presented
according to a preferential voting system, as
with a single-transferable vote (STV)
follows:
ballot that grants voters the option to
1.1.1. For each position or referendum question
rank order their preferences or to state
option (hereafter both shall be referred to as,
no opinion. Voters may also state their
“options”), a single list of options, shall be
disapproval of a candidate.
presented. The electorate shall, for each option,
20
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
choose a ranking in comparison to other options,
disapprove of, or state no opinion.
1.1.2. The counting of the votes shall follow the
following procedures:
a) On the first round of counting, each option
shall receive a first preference vote for each
ballot indicating a first preference.
b) Unless only a single option remains, the
option with the fewest number of first preference
votes shall be eliminated from the election.
Should there be
a tie for the fewest number of first preference
votes, then among these, the options with the
fewest number of second preference votes shall
be
eliminated. Should a tie persist, the procedure
shall continue with third preference votes,
etcetera. Should a tie still persist, the option with
the fewest number of ballots displaying original
first preference votes, the following item
notwithstanding, shall be eliminated. Should a tie
still persist, the procedures shall continue with
second preference votes et cetera. Should a tie
still persist, an option shall be eliminated by
random draw.
c) When an option is eliminated from an
election, all preference votes for that candidate
shall be replaced by the ballot's first preferred
option that has
not yet been eliminated from the election. All
second preference votes for that option shall be
replaced by the ballot's next preferred option that
has
not yet eliminated from the election, and so on. If
a ballot no longer has any options candidates
remaining, it is set aside until the validation step
described below.
d) This procedure of eliminating candidate(s) and
redistributing first preference votes shall
continue until one option remains. This option is
the potential winner.
e) The following validation step is then
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2. The counting of votes shall follow the
full preferential system (STV).
3. No opinion votes shall be regarded as
abstentions.
4. Disapproval votes cannot exceed the
number of votes cast in support of the
winning candidate. If this is the case,
the candidate with the greatest number
of votes will be considered defeated,
with the winner being the next most
popular candidate.
2. Referendum polling
1. For yes / no questions, juxtaposed
questions, or for questions with two
options, voters must be presented with a
First Past the Post style ballot that also
gives the voter the option to abstain.
Voters may also state their disapproval
of an option.
2. Otherwise, for questions not envisioned
by the previous clause (2.1), voters will
make use of the Full Preferential
System (STV).
3. No opinion responses will count as
abstentions.
4. The question with the greatest support
will be declared the winning option.
5. If the number of disapproval votes
exceeds the number of votes cast in
favour of an option, the response to the
referendum question will be considered
undetermined. It may be presented at a
subsequent referendum for
reconsideration by PGSS members.
The Post-Graduate Students’ Society of McGill University Inc.
Association étudiante des cycles supérieurs de l’Université McGill inc.
Maison David Thomson House, 3650 rue McTavish, Montréal (Québec) H3A 1Y2
Tél.: (514) 398-3756
Fax: (514) 398-1862
www.pgss.mcgill.ca
performed: from all the ballots case, if the
potential winner garners more final votes of
preference than votes of disapproval, the
potential winner shall be selected. Otherwise, the
election shall be deemed not to have produced an
acceptable representative; no candidate shall be
elected as a result of this election.
Rationale:
This eliminates the dreaded voting system which requires voters to rank order yes and no; a system
which has confused Brain Surgeons and Rocket Scientists. Otherwise, it puts into writing existing
policy, with a better explanation. The section name change better explains its contents.
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