2026 Election Schedule
follow our social media @kentstateusg for updates throughout the election season.
Contact The election COMMISSIONER drobin75@kent.edu with any questions!
*Running for and applying for a position for USG implies you have read through and will plan to attend and adhere to the following calendar and expectations.
*Dates with asterisks signal that the event is mandatory for all candidates. Email drobin75@kent.edu with concerns regarding absences to mandatory events. Events with the same title require one of the times to be attended, but not both.
February
February 8 - Candidate Applications Open
February 11 - USG Public Meeting | Student Center Governance Chambers | 5:30 PM
February 25 - USG Public Meeting | Student Center Governance Chambers | 5:30 PM
February 25 - Prepare a platform and submit it here. | Due by 11:59 PM
March
March 1 - Candidate Filing Closes at 9 AM
March 1 - Candidates can officially start campaigning at 12:00 PM.
March 2 - Last Day to Drop out of Election
March 2 - The 2026 candidates will be announced by 12:00 PM.
*March 2 - Meet the Candidates Workshop | KSC Pepsi Leadership Suite | 4:00 - 5:30 PM
March 13 - Signatures are due at 9 AM.
*March 17 - Senator Debates | KSC Pepsi Leadership Suite | 6 - 8 PM
*March 19 - President/Director Debates | 224A Crawford Hall | 6 - 8 PM
Week of March 23- Appointed Position Application Opens (Google Form)
March 23 - Election Day: Voting opens at 8 AM
March 25 - Election Day: Voting ends at 5 PM
*March 25 - Campaign Finance Report due at 5 PM
March 25 - USG Public Meeting | Student Center Governance Chambers | 5:30 PM
*March 25 - Results Watch Party + Preliminary Results | time & location TBD
March 27 - Election result appeals based on procedural errors.
March 30 - Alternative Results Announcement (if delayed)
April
*April 8 - USG Public Meeting: Passing of the Gavel
April 3 - Appointed Position Application Closes
April 6 - April 10 - Interviews for Appointed Positions
*April 15 - Group Transition Meeting | Student Center 3rd Floor | 5:30 PM
*April 22 - Group Transition Meeting | Student Center 3rd Floor | 5:30 PM
*April 29 - USG Public Meeting | Student Center Governance Chambers | 5:30 PM | New Officers Take Office
*Amendments
The Election Commission may add additional events or alter currently listed events; however, candidates will not be penalized for scheduling conflicts should the events be altered or added subsequently to the distribution of this schedule. The Election Commission will contact all candidates in a timely fashion regarding amendments to this schedule.
*Candidates should plan on attending at least one USG Public Meeting during the election season. Public Meeting Dates can be found on our Event Calendar.
*Public Meetings and Student Organization Meetings will take place during the Fall and Spring Semester on Wednesdays at 5:30pm unless otherwise specified by the USG. Please hold this evening open on your Fall and Spring Schedules.