2026 UMSU Elections
Every year, a new executive team is elected by YOU to represent the 24,000+ students at the University of Manitoba.
UMSU Elections are held annually in the Winter term and voting days are March 5 & 6, 2026.
Considering a Leadership Role?
Explore the various executive and community roles below or join us Wednesday, February 4 for our Student Leader Job Fair and speak with your current executives and community representatives!
There are 13 available positions to be filled for the 2026 UMSU Election. The duties of each position below can be reviewed in UMSU’s Governance and Operations Manual.
Executive Positions:
President
The UMSU President oversees overall operations, act as the spokesperson on all student issues, and represent the 26,000+ UMSU members to the University of Manitoba administration, as well as to provincial and federal governments.
Vice President Finance and Operations
The VP Finance & Operations oversees UMSU services for students, including U-Pass, Health and Dental, and Legal services. They also manage UMSU businesses and finances alongside the general manager and participate in various campaigns throughout the year.
Vice President External Affairs
The VP External Affairs works to build relationships and negotiate with provincial and municipal governments to ensure post-secondary students are consulted on all academic decisions.
Vice President University Affairs
The VP University Affairs oversees internal university-related affairs and serve as a liaison between UM administration and departments. As the official Student Advocate, they handle university academic matters, disciplinary appeals, and related issues. They advocate for the Union’s interests to the Board of Governors, the Senate, and other university committees.
Vice President Student Life
The VP Student Life oversees over 100 UMSU Clubs and 28 Faculty Associations on campus. As the primary liaison between UMSU and its community representatives, they ensure that UMSU consults with and supports marginalized communities on campus. Additionally, they lead fall and winter orientation and UMSU events/campaigns.
Community Representative Positions:
2SLGBTQIA+ Students' Representative
Serves as the official advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, overseeing the Queer Student Family Centre Lounge and leading a team to organize community assemblies, events, and educational initiatives. Represents the community in UMSU advocacy efforts and collaborates to strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion across campus.
Accessibility Students' Representative
Represents students living with disabilities by promoting accessibility, challenging systemic barriers, and advocating for inclusive learning environments. Oversees the operations of their Community Centre, chairs community meetings, and leads a team of students to advocate for their community within UMSU.
Black Students' Representative
Advocates for Black students by fostering unity, celebrating Black identity, and working to address systemic barriers through representation and community support. Oversees the operations of their Community Centre, chairs community meetings, and leads a team of students to advocate for their community within UMSU.
Indigenous Students' Representative
Advocates for Indigenous students by providing cultural support, amplifying Indigenous voices, and working to advance reconciliation and equity across campus. Oversees the operations of their Community Centre, chairs community meetings, and leads a team of students to advocate for their community within UMSU.
International Students' Representative
Advocates for international students by promoting cross-cultural understanding, supporting student integration, and representing their unique needs and experiences within the campus community. Oversees the operations of their Community Centre, chairs community meetings, and leads a team of students to advocate for their community within UMSU.
Mature and Part-Time Students' Representative
Accordion Content
Racialized Students' Representative
Advocates for racialized students by working to eliminate racial injustice, promote equity, and empower diverse identities across campus. Oversees the operations of their Community Centre, chairs community meetings, and leads a team of students to advocate for their community within UMSU.
Women's Community Representative
Advocates for women students by promoting safety, access to essential resources, and feminist education through inclusive and supportive programming. Oversees the operations of their Community Centre, chairs community meetings, and leads a team of students to advocate for their community within UMSU.
Important Dates:
All times displayed local Winnipeg, CST.
- Nominations open: February 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m.
- Nominations close: February 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
- All-Candidates Meeting: February 13, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
- Campaign Period: February 23, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to March 4, 2026.
- Voting Period: March 5, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to March 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
- Results Announced: March 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
How to vote:
To vote online, visit umsu.ca/vote. Voting opens Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and closes Friday, March 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
To vote in-person, visit the UMSU Service Centre on the 1st floor of UMSU University Centre. In-person voting will be open Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday, March 6, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Click here to see how voting works.
The preliminary results will be available online at umsu.ca/vote after voting closes on March 6, 2026
Got Questions?
If you’re considering running for a position or have questions about the elections, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your Chief Returning Officer (CRO) is available to answer any questions and guide you through the process. You can reach the CRO at cro@umsu.ca or visit during office hours starting February 3, Monday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm.
All forms regarding nomination and candidacy will be available for pickup from the office of the CRO at 118 Helen Glass from Monday – Friday, 12pm – 4pm.
Any questions regarding the election can be directed to cro@umsu.ca.
Elections UMSU is the official non-partisan body that is responsible for organizing University of Manitoba Students’ Union Elections and Referenda including the upcoming General Election that will be held online on March 5 & March 6, 2026.
Campaign Support
You can find all the documents you need in the Elections Material SharePoint. For additional support, check out the UMSU Governing Documents SharePoint. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to the CRO
The following documents are required for the nomination process and are available for candidates to download in the UMSU Elections and Governing Documents SharePoint. Read these documents carefully and fill out all the necessary forms in their entirety.
The documents below may be needed for the duration of the campaigning period and are available to candidates for download in the UMSU Election Materials SharePoint.
- Appeal Form
- Complaint Form
- Candidate Expenses Claim Form
Official Volunteer List
The Appeals Committee’s responsibilities are reviewing and adjudicating complaints arising from UMSU Elections.
The Appeals Committee shall be in effect from 9:00 am on Monday during Week 1 at the start of Nominations period until 5:00 pm on the last voting day.
- The Appeals Committee must meet within 24 hours after an appeal has been made.
- The Appeals Committee shall send the attendance list from any meeting had to the finance
Committee after the conclusion of the election.
More information can be found in the Elections Manual Section XXXVI: Appeals Committee
Submission
After receiving a nomination package from the office of the CRO, go through the nomination checklist to ensure you have completed all of the requirements. Submit the completed nomination package along with the marked checklist directly to the office of the CRO before Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5:00PM. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.
All Candidates Meeting
After submission of completed packages, nominees must attend the All Candidates Meeting on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 5:00PM that will be held in person in the UMSU Chambers, 176 Helen Glass. The next steps of the election process will be explained during this meeting. Please note that this meeting is mandatory for all candidates and campaign managers.
If you are only taking online classes (at least 3 credit hours) you can still participate in elections!
If you would like to participate as a candidate, volunteer, or voter, you can pay your UMSU fees at the UMSU Service Centre from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.