First-Year Election
About the First-Year Election
Each fall term, two representatives from the incoming class of undergraduate first-year students are elected to serve on Student Government via the First-Year Election. The First-Year Election is a unique opportunity for first-year students to learn about the UT Austin community, make connections across campus, serve our fellow Longhorns, and engage in productive dialog regarding UT Austin. Whether you run for an elected position, campaign for someone who does, or share your voice through your vote, the First-Year Election process is a chance for first-year students to exemplify our University tagline and show that what starts here changes the world.
Election Documents
- SG-Specific Election Code (pdf)
- SG Constitution (pdf)
- SG Code of Rules and Procedures (pdf)
- Judicial Opinion on Spring 2013 Election (pdf)
- Petition Form For Appeal (pdf)
- Campaign Organization and Protected Marks Agreement
- Allowed and Prohibited Promotion Methods for First-Year and Campus-Wide Election Campaigns
- The University of Texas at Austin Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities
Candidate Statements
Discover who's running and why — read the candidate statements.
How to File
To file for the 2025 First-Year Election, an eligible student can complete the application form. Below are the guidelines for filing to participate in the Student Government First-Year Election.
- Any first-year undergraduate student wishing to file must complete the filing application.
- For eligibility, please review Article I and Article IV of the Student Government Constitution.
- Filing begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.
- The deadline to file is 9 a.m. on Monday, Sep. 15, 2025.
- A 150-word candidate statement is also due at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025.
- All candidates must attend a mandatory candidate seminar on Monday, Sep. 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. in WCP 2.302 (Legislative Assembly Room).
* All times listed are for Central Daylight Time.
For any questions regarding filing for the First-Year Election, contact the Election Supervisory Board at esb@austin.utexas.edu.
Advisory Opinions
Advisory Opinions are opinions issued by the Election Supervisory Board and Student Government Supreme Court concerning any matter affecting the elections that may not be included within the language of the Student Government governing documents. These opinions clarify the language of the code and offer the candidate a better understanding of election rules.
2025 First-Year Election
- Advisory Opinion 2025-001 – Filing Deadline and Penalty (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-002 - Candidate Seminar Attendance Requirements (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-003 - Prohibition on Early Campaigning (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-004 - Recruitment of Campaign Workers and Agents (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-005 – Clarifying Violations for First-Year Election (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-006 - Financial Disclosure Submissions, Deadlines, and Penalties Timeline (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-007 - ESB As Sole Question Respondent Authority (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-008 - Prohibition of Ex Parte Communications with ESB (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2025-009 - Prohibiting the Tabulation of Votes After 5 p.m. CST September 24 (pdf)
- ESB Resolution 2025-001 - In res. Financial Disclosure Submission (pdf)
- ESB Resolution 2025-002 - In res. Candidate Responsibility for Campaign Staff (pdf)
2024 First-Year Election
- Advisory Opinion 2024-001 – Filing Deadline and Penalty (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2024-002 - Candidate Seminar Attendance Requirements (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2024-003 - Prohibition on Early Campaigning (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2024-004 - Recruitment of Campaign Workers and Agents (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2024-005 – Clarifying Violations for First-Year Election (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2024-006 - Financial Disclosure Submissions (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2024-007 - First-Year Election Update (pdf)
2023 First-Year Election
- Advisory Opinion 2023-001 – Filing Deadline and Penalty (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-002 - Candidate Seminar Attendance Requirements (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-003 - Prohibition on Early Campaigning (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-004 - Recruitment of Campaign Workers and Agents (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-005 – Clarifying Violations for First-Year Election (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-006 - Financial Disclosure Submissions (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-007 - Clarification of Fair-Market Value (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-008 - Clarification of Filing Campaign Materials (pdf)
- Advisory Opinion 2023-009 - Ballot Order and Candidate Withdrawals (pdf)
Election Timeline
All times listed below are in the Central time zone.
Complaints
File a Complaint
Any first-year UT student, except those serving as a member of the Election Supervisory Board (ESB) may file a complaint during First-Year Election. The online complaint form must be used to file a complaint against a candidate (or a candidate's campaign staff member) if you feel they have violated the Student Government Specific Election Code and/or Advisory Opinions released by ESB.
Complaints that do not fall within ESB's jurisdiction, such as potential Institutional Rules and Policy violations, may be dismissed and the submitter will be referred to the appropriate University department for assistance.
How to File a Complaint
Please read the form and complete all the required sections. Complainants must provide their name and email address to allow ESB to investigate the complaint. Complainants must provide the name of the candidate and the election codes(s) that they believe the candidate has broken, and provide a detailed description of the complaint. Once you have entered all supporting information, press "submit" at the bottom of the page. Any documented evidence (screen shots, photos etc.), can be emailed to ESB at esb@austin.utexas.edu.
After a Complaint is Filed
The ESB will review all complaints filed to determine if it will be dismissed or if a hearing will take place. If a complaint is not dismissed, then a hearing must be held and ESB will notify all parties of the date, time and location via email. ESB will provide guidance regarding hearing procedures.
All parties involved (including the complaining party) should present themselves at the hearing. The complaining party bears the burden of proof. If the complaining party (or an authorized delegate) does not attend the hearing, the complaint may be dismissed. All decisions will be made public and listed.
Appealing an ESB Decision
Any party adversely affected by a decision of the Election Supervisory Board may file an appeal with the Student Government Supreme Court. Before the poles close, appeals must be filed within twenty-four (24) hours after the adverse decision is announced. After the polls close, an appeal must be filed within twelve (12) hours after the adverse decision is announced. The decision of the Election Supervisory Board shall stand and shall have full effect until the appeal is heard and decided by the Student Government Supreme Court.
Please see the First-Year Election timeline for additional dates and deadlines related to the election.
File a Complaint
The deadline to file a complaint in the 2025 First-Year Election has ended.
View Complaints
Financial Disclosures
Submit a Financial Disclosure
The deadline to submit a financial disclosure in the 2025 First-Year Election has ended.
View Financial Disclosures
Available Positions
- First Year Representative (2)
Two (2) representatives are elected from the incoming class of undergraduate first-year students. First-year students include first-year freshmen and undergraduate transfer students to the University as so defined by the Office of the Registrar.