Record numbers vote in student elections

Rob Griffith, the new UBU President

The new team of sabbatical officers: Rob Griffiths, Hannah Pollak, Alessandra Berti, Ellie Williams, Imogen Palmer and Tom Flynn

Press release issued: 18 March 2013

The annual student elections at the University of Bristol’s Students’ Union (UBU) saw a record turnout, with 29,595 votes being cast for full-time and part-time elected officers. Candidates had been campaigning furiously and canvassing for votes last week, all hoping to be elected for the important roles which see them act as a representative of the student body.

Candidates had been campaigning furiously and canvassing for votes last week, all hoping to be elected for the important roles which see them act as a representative of the student body.

The final count revealed Rob Griffiths as the new UBU President. He’s a final year Physics student and station manager at Burst Radio.

Rob said: “It’s an absolute honour to be elected by my fellow students and I’m really excited about getting stuck in when the job officially starts in June.”

This year’s elections began in record-breaking style, with more candidates running than ever before and every full-time position being contested for the first year in history.

More votes were cast on the first day than by the end of the second day last year and, by the time voting closed at 1pm on Friday, UBU’s record for voter turnout was broken with 4,798 voters casting 29,595 votes.

Not only was it a record breaking year for votes but UBU also surpassed UWE Students’ Union in voter turnout and secured a Varsity point.

Three of the current full-time elected officers chose to stand again and all three were voted back in for another year.

Full-Time Elected Officers:

President: Rob Griffiths
VP Education: Tom Flynn (re-elected)
VP Activities: Imogen Palmer
VP Sport and Health: Hannah Pollak (re-elected)
VP Community: Ellie Williams
VP Welfare and Equality: Alessandra Berti (re-elected)

For a full list of the part-time elected officers, senate representatives and NUS delegates, please see the Students' Union website.