It's no cliché - every vote in the elections counts, and the only way you - as the combined population of Portsmouth's student body - can be sure that the best candidate for each Sabbatical position is elected.

The Union prides itself on it’s democratic structure - it’s what makes us different from any other organisation. Your vote is just one opportunity to influence the running of your Union, and you never know, it might be you standing one year! If you haven’t taken part in the democratic process, should you really have the right to complain?

The people you elect represent you to the student body, University, City, Government - it’s up to you collectively to decide if they’re right for the job. The Union is here to enhance your experience and make sure that your time at University are the best years of your life.

If this is the only way you get involved in Union’s activities this year, then it will be worth it. It is the only thing that really matters in the calendar of events. Even if the only way you used the Union before now was by reading the Survival Guide sent to you as a Fresher then you should really consider participating in the most important Union event. It's your Union, your vote, your elections so have your say!

Voting is extremely easy - all you have to do is turn up to a polling booth having read through the candidates' manifestos, attended the hustings, or simply having spoken to the candidates in person - and fill out a ballot paper.

You can find out when and where polling booths can be found here, and more information on the voting system used here.