2023 ASUW ELECTION COMPLAINTS

LISTING AND CLASSIFYING A VIOLATION

Minor

Each violation deemed “minor” has a mandatory penalty of community service hours in the equivalent ratio of Seattle Minimum Wage in the year of the violation not exceeding $50. Minor violations can: be unintentional, have occurred less than two times, been corrected within one business day of written notice from the EAC, or have been an action that does not impact another candidate, the ASUW Elections process, or the University as a whole.

Major

Each violation deemed “major” has a mandatory penalty of community service hours in the equivalent ratio of Seattle Minimum Wage in the year of the violation not exceeding $100. Major violations may also constitute grounds for disqualification if the Judicial Committee deems the violation gave the respondent undue advantage. Major violations can include, but are not limited to: violations that have a bigger impact than a minor violation or violations that are not corrected within the requested time frame provided by the EAC.

Severe

Each violation deemed “severe” in this EPP has a possible mandatory penalty of community service hours in the equivalent ratio of Seattle Minimum Wage in the year of the violation not less than $75 and not exceeding $150, as well as mandatory default disqualification, unless the Judicial Committee determines that extenuating or mitigating circumstances reduce the actual severity of the violation. Severe violations include actions that result in substantial injustice to other candidates, the elections process, or the University as a whole.

i. Examples of “severe” violations include, but are not limited to:

1. Seeking endorsements prior to candidate certification by the EAC

2. Violating any applicable law

3. Tampering or altering any official election material or ballot

4. Using force, threat or unlawful means to hinder or deter any voter from voting, or to obtain a vote for or against any candidate or ballot measure

5. Directly or indirectly offering any bribe, reward, or anything of a fair market value greater than 50 cents to a voter in an attempt to change or persuade any student’s voting decision.

6. Directly or indirectly offering any bribe, reward, offer of employment, or anything of value to any individual to dissuade them from standing as a candidate in the election.

7. Provide or operate any voting station, computer, or other device with intent that such device be used to mark or submit ballots.

FILING A VIOLATION

Types of Violations

Violations can be filed by anyone who believes a candidate, ticket, ballot measure affiliate, or affiliate of a candidate/ticket violated something in the EPP. Violations can be minor, major, or severe. A severe violation means automatic disqualification as well as a fine no less than $75, and not exceeding $150. A violation is classified as minor if it is unintentional, is corrected within 24 hours of notice from the EAC Co-Chairs and happens no more than four times. It also involves a fine no more than $50. Any violation not considered minor or severe is classified as major and has a mandatory penalty not exceeding $100 and can result in disqualification.

Filing a Violation

To file a violation, please download and fill out the ASUW ELECTIONS COMPLAINT FORM 2023, linked above. Please email the completed form to SAO Associate Director, Rene Singleton at sniglet@uw.edu, no later than Monday, April 24th, at 5:00pm.

Complaint Hearing Date

If a violation is filed against you or you file a complaint, a hearing will be held Wed April 26th, 2023 at 6 pm by the Judicial Committee where the complainant and the respondent have the opportunity to make opening statements, call witnesses, and explain their side of the allegation. Either a judgment or a dismissal will be made by the Judicial Committee, which will be presented by a committee member to the Board of Directors. The complainant and respondent will have the opportunity to make a statement to the Board before they make a decision.