Sample Questions and Answer
Running for State Office
Campaigning
Descriptions/Duties of Office
Application

Please return forms to:

Nominations and Elections Committee

C/o Kristen Clay
104 Wynn Way
Warner Robins, GA 31088
Email: gansneceast@gmail.com
Phone: 478-396-7351

Running for State Office

Nominations
There are two ways to be nominated to run for state office. In either case, you must submit a complete four-page candidate application, including (1) certificate of Good Academic Standing (2) Statement of Experience and Intent for GANS Office (3) Candidate Information Form, and (4) Dean/Advisor Recommendation Form.

The first way to run for state office is to be placed on the ballot by the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC). This is called “pre-slating.” To be pre-slated, you must submit your completed application to the NEC by September 8, 2008. A major advantage to pre-slating is that you will be allowed to campaign actively once you are notified by the NEC that you have been pre-slated. Also, your name will be listed on the GANS website, http:www.ganursingstudents.org, prior to convention.

The second way to run for state office is to be nominated from the floor in the House of Delegates during convention. Before you can be nominated, though, your completed application must be received by the NEC. Many people who come to convention-especially for the first time-may have never given much thought to running for state office, but find themselves very interested once they get there. Being able to “run from the floor” means that you can decide to run for office while at convention, but you need to act quickly to get your completed application to the NEC. If you decide to run from the floor, while at convention, please contact a member of the NEC to discuss submitting your application. Candidates running from the floor are not allowed to campaign prior to being officially nominated in the House of Delegates.

Campaigning

Once you have been nominated to run for state office-either through pre-slating by the NEC or by nomination from the floor in the House of Delegates-you will be allowed to campaign for office. Campaigning is a way of letting other people know why you would be suited to the office you are running for. Campaigning is a great way to clarify your own ideas about the purpose and function of GANS as well as to get input from students across the state. It is also a fun way to meet students from all of the GANS Chapters!

As you are campaigning, please bear in mind the campaign regulations listed below.

Campaign Regulations:

1. A regular or tri-fold poster will be allowed for display during the caucus. The size of this poster may not exceed 36 inches tall, 48 inches wide, and 12 inches deep (outside wings 12 inches and middle section 24 inches).
2. All campaign materials are the responsibility of the candidate and must be removed following the completion of the final caucus.
3. No campaigning is allowed in the convention hall during House of Delegates or during any session with speakers.
4. No campaigning is allowed after voting begins.
5. It is recommended that each candidate have a manager to assist with the campaign. This person may not be a GANS Executive Board Member.

Candidates’ Forum and Presidential Debate
The Candidates’ Forum and Presidential Debate are opportunities for delegates to hear from each of the candidates for state office as they decide who to vote for. Each of the candidates, except those for the office of President, will have two minutes to present a personal statement, and two minutes for impromptu questioning. Candidates for the office of President will have three minutes to present a personal statement and five minutes for impromptu questioning. They will then participate in a Presidential Debate as outlined below. Please bear in mind the following regulations as you prepare for the Candidates’ Forum and Presidential Debate.

Candidates’ Forum:

1. Following the close of nominations, the candidates are presented to the House of Delegates. This includes candidates already on the slate and those nominated from the floor.
2. During the Candidates’ Forum, candidates for all offices, except President, will have a total of two minutes to present their personal statement, and up to two minutes for impromptu questioning.
3. Candidates may use notes for impromptu questions. For examples of the kinds of questions that candidates may be asked during the Candidates’ Forum, please see the Chapter Resource Booklet section on the GANS Executive Board and NEC. Questions are listed along with the duties for each office. Immediately following the personal statement and before impromptu questions are asked, the candidate must remove all notes and hand them to the Nominating and Elections Committee.
4. Only the candidates may speak on their own behalf, unless there is illness or an equally good reason for their absence. The Nominating and Elections Committee will decide if the absence is justifiable and, if so, will present the candidates remarks. If possible, a response to an impromptu question will be recorded and played.
5. This meeting is mandatory for all delegates.

Presidential Candidate Presentations and Debate:

1. Candidates for President shall present a three-minute statement of introduction, and up to five minutes for impromptu questioning. For examples of the kinds of questions that may be asked during this time, please see the Chapter Resource Booklet section on the GANS Executive Board and NEC.
2. There will be a question and answer session on “Running for the President of GANS.” The questions will be selected by the Nominating and Elections Committee. (Note: all candidates will be given one minute to respond to each question. The number of questions will be based on time and the number of candidates).
3. A series of questions on the debate topic will be developed by the Nominating and Elections Committee. The exact content of the questions shall remain confidential until the time of the debate.
4. The number of questions asked during the debate will equal the total number of Presidential candidates. One question will be asked to each candidate who will have two minutes to respond. All other Presidential candidates will have one minute to respond to the candidate’s answer.
5. Each candidate will be allowed a two-minute summation at the conclusion of the debate.
6. The Chairperson of the Nominating and Elections Committee will serve as moderator of the debate.