Elections

The Student Government Association annually hosts elections to find next year's student leaders to carry the torch of change here on campus. Students will have the opportunity to select leaders who share a vision for what will become of the NIU community during the next academic year. The leaders chosen will serve on many university committees, oversee a budget of a million dollars, aid and manage student organizations, work alongside university staff, aid in the upliftment of Fraternity and Sorority Life on campus, host student-focused events, and serve in all aspects of student representation.

The Student Government Association is calling on YOU to step up and be a part of this change in the shared goal of improving student life for current and future Huskies! All those interested in running for an elected position in the SGA must attend one of the remaining candidate meetings to learn more about the positions up for election, what these positions look like and the steps required to make it on the ballot! For those interested in participating in the elections, the election timeline with important deadlines can be found below. Any questions can be sent to sga@niu.edu.

Candidate Meeting Dates and Time

All SGA Candidate meetings will take place in the Steven R. Agee conference room located in the Holmes Student Center, Oasis G27A. Please note that members of the Board of Elections are permitted to leave their scheduled meeting after 10 minutes if no interested candidates are present. If you anticipate arriving late due to class or work obligations, please notify the Election Commissioner 24 hours in advance so the appropriate Board of Elections members can be informed.

1. Monday, February 9, 2026, at 2 p.m.
2. Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10 a.m.
3. Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
4. Monday, February 16, 2026, at 2 p.m
5. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10 a.m.
6. Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Spring 2026 Election Timeline

All deadlines and key dates for the SGA 2026 Election Cycle. More information will be provided to candidates after the ballot is released.

1. Candidate meetings take place from February 9 to 20.
2. Candidate forms are due February 23 at 5 p.m.
3. Ballots will be released via email on March 6.
4. Meet the Candidates and debates will take place on March 20. 
5. The Spring 2026 election will take place from March 23 to March 25 on HuskieHub.
6. Transition date will be announced. 

How to Run for a Legislative Position

1. Meet the following requirements:
   • 2.5 or higher GPA.
   • Must not be on academic probation or misconduct with the University.
2. Attend a candidate meeting. 
3. Collect 50 signatures from fee-paying NIU students.
4. Submit required candidate forms:
   • SGA Legislative Candidate Registration form (Spring 2026)
   • SGA Elections Background Check submission (Spring 2026)
   • Campaign Personnel Form
5. Receive your official ballot placement from the Election Commissioner.
6. Campaign on campus!
7. Attend Meet the Candidates.
8. Results will be announced within 36 hours following the closure of the polls

How to Run for an Executive Position

1. Meet the following requirements:
   
   • 2.5 or higher GPA.
   • Must not be on academic probation or misconduct with the University.
2. Attend a candidate meeting.
3. Collect 75 signatures from fee-paying NIU students
4. Submit required candidate forms:
   • SGA Executive Candidate Registration form (Spring 2026)
   • SGA Elections Background Check submission (Spring 2026)
   • Campaign Personnel Form
5. Receive your official ballot placement from the Election Commissioner.
6. Participate in SGA Executive Candidate Debate.
7. Attend Meet the Candidates.
8. Campaign on campus!
9. Results will be announced within 36 hours following the closure of the polls.