April 2025 Special Election

The Student Government Constitution prescribes the methods by which the document may be amended. A constitutional amendment was passed unanimously by the Senate at their meeting on March 12, 2025. The amendment now requires majority support of voters for ratification. Since this year's General Election has already passed, the Senate has called for a Special Election to vote on the proposed amendment.

What's on the ballot?

The proposed constitutional amendment would set limits on the length of contracts and agreements that the Senate can enter into on behalf of the student body. 

The Student Government Constitution currently gives the Senate the power to enter into contracts and agreements but sets no limits on the term length of those contracts. Article II Section A Clause 4 currently reads "The Senate shall have the power to ratify all contracts and agreements negotiated by the Government by an affirmative two thirds vote of seated Senators."

The Senate has voted in favor of amending Article II Section A Clause 4 to read “The Senate shall have the power to ratify all contracts and agreements negotiated by the Government by an affirmative two thirds vote of seated Senators. No contract passed by the Senate shall exceed a term length of four academic years.”

Below you will find the Pro-Amendment and Anti-Amendment arguments created by the Election Commission for your reference, though this list is not exhaustive.

Pro-Amendment (Yes)Anti-Amendment (No)
  • The maximum length of a contract or agreement entered into by Student Government will be four years.
  • This will allow all students, whether involved in Student Government or not, the opportunity to review and question contracts funded with their student fee dollars at some point during their tenure at Iowa State.
  • Currently existing contracts will not be affected but the term limit will apply to all new or renegotiated contracts and agreements.
  • There will be no limit on the term length of contracts or agreements entered into by Student Government.
  • It would be possible for a student to enroll at Iowa State, attend four or more years, and graduate without ever being able to comment on a contract funded with their student fee dollars.
  • Currently existing contracts will not be affected.

Special Election Timeline

Voting will open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and will close at 7:59 am on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Election results will be available on Friday, April 18, 2025.