Elections

2026-2027 Elections

TBD

View the Candidate Debate Video Recorded on March 20, 2025.

Blake Goldstein

blake

With the student body facing low transparency from the SA, rising mental health challenges, clubs going unsupported, and mass division, we need a President with bold plans and proven experience.

1. Support Mental Health:

  • Advocate for increased UCC funding, more diverse therapists, and the elimination of counseling session caps
  • Expand The Noah Project to better connect clubs with resources
  • Centralize crisis hotlines and therapy options on the SA website

2. More Transparency:

  • Publish weekly accomplishment reports and clear social media updates explaining our initiatives
  • Modernize OCCT with a searchable website tool that customizes routes and updates
  • Notify club E-boards directly of SA policy changes

3. Well-being & Safety:

  • Require sexual harassment training for SA leaders
  • Ensure menstrual products are stocked campuswide
  • Allocate funding for campus Wi-Fi boosters

4. Dining Hall Accountability:

  • Create a new cabinet position responsible for holding Chartwells in compliance with University standards
  • Push admin to honor their commitments to meal swipes and more kosher & halal accommodations
  • Ensure safety standards are met to the highest degree

5. Campus Unity:

  • Form a diverse cabinet
  • Promote school spirit
  •  Communicate ICE presence on campus and advocate for sanctuary protections

Binghamton, Our Future Begins Together.
Blake Logan Goldstein
Candidate for President
bgoldstein2@binghamton.edu

Brady Lindsey
brady

As a local student, I’ve seen how Binghamton University shapes the surrounding area, and I want to give back to the organizations that have made a difference in my community. I would make a great President because I am committed to achieving the following:

1. Community Impact:

Students should feel connected not only to campus, but to the greater Binghamton community. I will establish a centralized partnership database connecting student organizations with local businesses and internship opportunities. I will launch a “Bearcats Beyond Campus” initiative to support service days and showcases to improve our relationship with the community.

2. Reliable Transportation & Fair Student Employment
OCCT is one of the largest student-run bus systems in the country, and it must operate reliably. I will work closely with the VPF to improve transparency around service gaps by building upon resources that already exist. Additionally, I will prioritize SA employee satisfaction through feedback systems and ensure student workers feel supported and valued.

3. Open Leadership

Transparency in leadership is necessary. I will host biweekly “Ask Me Anything” sessions to provide updates and respond directly to student concerns. As Binghamton transitions to a different dining provider, I will ensure that reports are given on dining changes, keeping students’ priorities at the forefront of the conversation.

Chinemerem (Mira) Emenogu

chinemerem

President Accessibility
1. I am committed to being visible and accessible in popular campus spaces regularly foreasier connection with the student body.

  • To ensure consistent availability, I will host biweekly tabling sessions in the
    Union where students can share their concerns directly with me.

OCCT Bus Schedule
1. I will personally work to address the issue of buses failing to show up for evening routes.
2. I will also prioritize increasing awareness of OCCT’s feedback system, advertising it in waiting areas and on buses, showcasing where and how to voice concerns.

Administrative Collaboration
1. I intend to act in my official capacity as a bridge between the administration and student body
2. I hope to ensure follow through with proposals and initiatives brought on by the student body
a. Balancing student requests with realistic administrative requirements
3. I will prioritize advocacy for the multicultural community

Health
1. Mental Health

  • Utilizing rejuvenation days, I want to provide spaces for community gathering
    and mental health awareness through events

2. Reproductive Health

  • I will ensure the upkeep of the emergency contraceptive vending machines in the Bartle Library basement

I’m committed to leading with openness and listening first. I want to work alongside the student body because real change starts with your voice, not just mine.

Josephine Janas

As Executive Vice President, my goal is to make my office the most welcoming space on campus, and, in doing so, help make our entire campus community more welcoming. I will accomplish this through three main initiatives.

Taking the Office Beyond its Physical Walls:

I plan to adopt the model used by the current President’s office of having myself or a member of my staff attend weekly general body meetings of student organizations. Meeting organizations where they already are will allow my staff and I to build stronger relationships, better understand their needs, and provide support in a more accessible and meaningful way.

Expanding Communication and Transparency Efforts:

I will send out a bi-weekly newsletter featuring important deadlines, policy updates, and upcoming campus events so all student leaders feel informed and prepared.

Furthering Support for Organizations:

I will aim to support organizations not only in their operations but also in their internal dynamics. I will introduce conflict resolution training at the Fall Leadership Conference and establish accessible resources for executive boards facing interpersonal challenges. Ensuring student leaders have the tools to navigate conflict productively will strengthen both their organizations and our campus as a whole.

Shlok Dharia

My platform will focus on improving the processes of EVP and improving the support system of the Student Association

1. Streamlining the support system from the EVP office by utilizing youtube and creating modules to help with questions while also having open communication with any students. The youtube videos will include recordings of the leadership conferences, because it can be difficult to digest all the information in one day and this allows for easy access to it.

2. Creating open to collaborate forms for organizations for them to meet other orgs on campus they haven’t met. Also allows for organizations to expand their general body to new communities. They will fill out a form and I will match organizations to help them create an event relevant to them.

3. Utilizing space is better for Club Carnival and Ufest by expanding it to more rooms allowing for more organizations to participate and facilitating it in a way clubs get to be more involved by adding more activities.

4. Utilizing Storage space forms and empty spaces that can allow for more organizations to get space to store their inventory. By filling out the form clubs without storage will also be allowed to join a waiting list.

Luciana Denegri

Serving as the current Fundraising Assistant, my platform is grounded in five pillars aimed at creating impactful changes to improve financial accessibility, transparency, and support for all Binghamton students.

  1. Accessibility – I intend to increase accessibility within the financial resources of the SA through collaboration with the VPSS’s accessibility branch to create document audio aids. In addition to that I want to create virtual office hours so orgs can get their questions answered efficiently no matter where they are on-campus.
  2. Communication – Expand the outreach of existing resources by creating a centralized list of all the treasurers/presidents emails to send out a weekly newsletter of important dates and links to resources.
  3. Reformation – In order to improve treasurer training I want to provide specialized training sessions for the various voucher types (i.e. travel, performance contracts, etc). As well as redesigning the treasurer exam to make sure our treasurers are better equipped to create vouchers.
  4. Transparency – Restructure OCCT policies to help promote transparency and accountability between the SA, OCCT, and its Staff.
  5. Support – Continue to support an increase in funding for both Harpur’s Ferry and OCCT’s operations through the student body or university funding.

 

 

Nina Thomas

My platform is built on three core pillars focused on improving efficiency and driving positive change within the Student Association for Binghamton University students.

Accessibility: Open communication between SA organizations and the VPF is crucial to their success. I will hold weekly office hours to answer questions and provide direct support, implement budgeting workshops for club leaders, and offer options of scheduled follow up meetings to ensure long-term financial success and accountability.

Increased Engagement: Treasurer training is critical to responsible financial management within clubs. I will continue to require mandatory in-person training and collaborate with the EVP to incorporate a treasurer training at the fall leadership conference. I will develop a virtual resource presentation for treasurers to reference after passing the exam. I will encourage leaders’ involvement in the club sport committee to promote greater transparency and an understanding of budget decisions.

Transparency: I will introduce clearer templates and criteria for club sports budget presentations and provide detailed guidance for vouchers and Zeffy. I will work to improve communication with OCCT including implementing a “full bus” notification feature on SPOT. Additionally I will create updated “how-to” guides through the VPF social media account to ensure leaders have accessible, reliable resources.

August Rey

Hi! My name is August Rey and I want to be your next VPSS!

I want to answer the question of “Who gets to be successful on campus?” by focusing on:

Accessibility

  • Expand QR Code signs outside of every elevator and automatic door, improving accessibility by streamlining the work order process.
  • Install Plan-B Vending Machines in UDC, Decker, and the Pharmacy School.
  • Push for permanent 24-hour libraries and expand bus services during Finals and Midterm Weeks.

Affordability:

  • Create a VPSS Grant that helps reduce the cost of summer and winter courses.
  • Speed up the student worker pay process so that student workers get paid more consistently.
  • Push for Vending Machines to Accept Dining Dollars / Meal Swipes.

Accountability:

  • Change the way FinCo Budget Proposals work, requiring hearings to be in person unless accommodations are requested.
  • Implement NARCAN Training and Alcohol Poisoning Education programs for all incoming students.
  • Push for more Queer and BIPOC UCC Staff to ensure that counseling staff better represent the student body, encouraging virtual counselors while we try to bring on more POC and Queer staff.
  • Fight for excused absences for major multicultural holidays, and incentivize the strategic scheduling of Rejuvenation days to allow time off for these events.

Emily Landis

As your former Congress Representative and current Chair of Student Life & Academics, I’ve spent the past two years fighting for your success. I have learned the inner workings of the SA and have identified gaps impacting the student experience. Let’s work together to build a campus where success belongs to everyone.

My platform focuses on three pillars of success:

Prioritizing Student Wellbeing

  • Advocate in classrooms and student organizations to normalize self-advocacy regarding mental health, academic accommodations, and navigating barriers to advising and course access.
  • Push for an online appointment booking system for the University Counseling Center.
  • Advocate for a more diverse counseling staff to ensure students receive care that reflects their identities and experiences.

Tenant Power and Protection

  • Begin working with local lawmakers to improve tenant protections affecting students.
  • Register more students as Binghamton voters to strengthen student influence over housing policy.
  • Expand student access to housing lawyers and clear guidance on leases, tenant rights, city safety codes, inspection requests, and reporting negligent landlords.
  • Launch a “Rate My Landlord” feature and expand “Rate My Housing” to include comment sections and more detailed rating criteria.

Ensuring Universal Access

  • Create and distribute a comprehensive resource booklet compiling health, educational,
    cultural, financial, employment, housing, and community resources that don’t require
    proof of citizenship.

 

 

Halina de Jong-Lambert

Binghamton students are more involved than ever, and our programming should match that energy. As Vice President of Programming, I would be honored to lead SAPB’s nine teams in
producing the events that define campus life for a multitude of reasons, one of which being to evolve our entertainment options, reflecting our changing student body. I want to increase partnership with student organizations, from large cultural associations to unchartered clubs. One aspect of this would be well-promoted events giving clubs the chance to sell items unique to their organizations, sharing our ample promotional and event-management resources with the student body.

An effective VPP also provides leadership and management to the driven and talented members drawn to this high-performing organization. I know I am well-equipped for this from my current role as Chair of Student Fleas, requiring robust communication and event planning and management. I also bring to the role tested experience across the Student Association, as a past Congress representative serving on the E&J and Finance committees.

If elected, I look forward to learning as much as I can about every branch of SAPB this semester, and tackling next year ready to provide and expand upon our top-notch entertainment.

Irene Cui

What I’ve Accomplished:

  • International Immersion Program:
    I launched an extended orientation program for undergraduate and graduate international students to build community, strengthen peer connections, and create long term support systems.
  • Inclusive Dining Advocacy:
    I advocated for improved Kosher, Halal, vegetarian, and culturally diverse dining options so students of all backgrounds can access meals that meet their dietary and religious needs.
  • Support for Student Veterans:
    I worked to charter a Student Veterans of America chapter at Binghamton, creating a dedicated community and support network for student veterans.
  • Organizational Outreach
    I met with over 30 student organizations to gather feedback and ensure students remain informed and engaged.

Goals for Next Year:

  • Communication:
    Continue monthly meetings with organizations to maintain transparency and accountability.
  • Campus to Community Connection:
    Expand opportunities for students to engage with and access resources in the broader Binghamton community.
  • Peer Mentorship Program:
    Develop a mentorship initiative pairing incoming students with upperclassmen to strengthen connection and belonging.

 

2024 – 2025 Election Timeline:

Download the Election Calendar

  • December 6, 2024: Election Advertising Begins
  • February 2, 2025: Letter of Intent Period Begins
  • February 2, 2025: Petition Period Begins
  • February 16, 2025: Letter of Intent Period Closes
  • February 23, 2025: Petition Period Closes
  • February 24, 2025: Candidate Platforms Due
  • February 25, 2025: Candidates Meeting
  • February 26, 2025: Campaigning Begins
  • March 20, 2025: Candidate Debate
  • March 27, 2025: Election Day
  • April 1, 2025: Election Certification Date

Spring 2025 Election Timeline for EVP Special Election

  • April 22, 2025 Elections Advertising Begins
  • April 23, 2025 Letter of Intent Period Begins
  • April 23, 2025 Petition Period Begins
  • April 23, 2025 Campaigning Begins
  • April 23, 2025, 8:00 PM Letter of Intent Period Closes
  • April 23, 2025 11:00 PM Petition Period Closes
  • April 24, 2025 Election Day
  • April 29, 2025 Election Certification Date

Download the EVP Special Election Calendar

Position Descriptions and Requirements:

In order to run for any position on the SA E-Board, you must have spent at least 75 semester class days (roughly one semester) as at least one of the following:

  • A voting SA Congress member
  • A voting SA E-Board Officer
  • A justice on the SA Judicial Board
  • An official E-Board member of any SA-chartered student group, including community councils
  • Someone who performs continual services that entitle them to compensation in Student Association funds (such as an SA business employee or stipended E-Board office assistant)

In addition, certain positions have additional prerequisites:

  • Vice President for Finance
    • You must have at least 75 semester class days of experience in one of the following:
      • A paid assistant to the Vice President for Finance
      • A member of the SA Congress Finance Committee (FinCo)
      • A position in which you have authority to access a Student Association financial account (a student organization’s President or Treasurer who has passed the Treasurer’s exam).
  • Vice President for Programming
    • You must have at least 75 semester class days of experience as a member of the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB).

Expectations and Position Descriptions:

Each officer is expected to spend an average of at least 25 hours per week on their job while classes are in session and spend reduced hours while classes are out of session. There is also a 3.0 GPA requirement. The following is a list of the constitutional responsibilities of each E-Board position, in order of rank.

  1. President, president@binghamtonsa.org
    • Coordinates, oversees, and chairs the Executive Board.
    • Acts as the spokesperson of the Student Association and represents the student body by sitting on university wide committees.
    • Leads initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall student experience.
  2. Executive Vice President, evp@binghamtonsa.org
    • Coordinates, facilitates, and promotes the establishment or accession of new subsidiary organizations.
    • Coordinates, supports, and works with subsidiary organizations.
  3. Vice President for Finance, vpf@binghamtonsa.org
    • Trains, assists, and coordinates all who deal with the Student Association’s finances.
    • Implements the financial procedures and recommends necessary changes in the financial policies to Congress.
  4. Vice President for Student Success, vpss@binghamtonsa.org
    • Coordinates and oversees Advocates, which counsels and represents any student requesting such representation when accused of violating Binghamton University policy.
    • Coordinates and oversees the Student Association’s advocacy relating to academic matters.
    • Responsible for advocacy on behalf of general student success.
  5. Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, vpma@binghamtonsa.org
    • Coordinates, oversees, and chairs the Intercultural Awareness Committee.
    • Promotes and facilitates a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and multicultural University community.
  6. Vice President for Programming, vpp@binghamtonsa.org
    • Coordinates and assists the programming efforts of Student Association entities as appropriate.
    • Coordinates, oversees, and chairs the Programming Board which produces and facilitates large-scale programming.

BU Council Representative

Furthermore, although it is not a position on the SA E-Board, the student representative to the Binghamton University Council will be elected using the same timeline as above. However, since the BU Council Representative represents both graduate and undergraduate students and is not a member of the SA E-Board, there are a number of differences:

  • 300 signatures  required, but may be any combination of undergraduate and graduate students. 
  • There are no prerequisites (i.e. 75 semester class days of experience doing…)
  • There is no GPA requirement

The following is a short description of the BU Council Representative position (bucrep@binghamton.edu):

The BU Council Representative is a full voting member of the Binghamton University Council in accordance with Article 8 §356 of the NY Education Law and is accountable to both the Student Association (SA) and the Graduate Student Organization (GSO).

For more details about the specific responsibilities of each position and rules about campaigning, please read the SA’s Management Policies. Further questions can be directed to the respective office holder.

Candidate Resources

All candidates should be familiar with the Student Association’s Constitution and Management Policies, which are located under “Governing Documents” here: https://www.binghamtonsa.org/resources/

In addition to general familiarity with our governing documents, all candidates are expected to know their rights and responsibilities within the Elections process: Section IV of the Management Policies, the SA Elections Code, and the SA Elections Penalty Document.

Letters of Intent Packet:

Candidate Signature/Petition Form:

  • SA E-Board Requirement: 250 unique signatures 
  • BU Council Rep Requirement: 300 unique signatures required
  • Individuals may only sign for one candidate in a given race.
    • Historically, signors for multiple candidates in the same race would have their signatures on all sheets in question invalidated, potentially reducing the total signature count below the threshold needed to be on the ballot for one or more candidates. With the shift to an online petition form, candidates are still only allowed to sign for one candidate but they may change their selection at any point during the petition period. Due to the possibility of shifting signatures, we still encourage all candidates to obtain a number of signatures greater than the requirement for their position. Candidates are given the ability to monitor their signature count throughout the petition period in order to ensure they obtain enough signatures to reach and remain above the threshold.

Questions about the Student Association elections? Please contact elections@binghamtonsa.org or visit the SA Office, UUW 203 (past Visions).