Thank you to all of the candidates who participated. This was another one of our most successful elections in terms of turnout, with roughly 4,000 students casting ballots despite the week of rain. Truly, elections are nothing without the people who run in them, and IUSG remains one of the most wide reaching organizations on campus.
Thank you also to everyone who helped me run what I consider to be one of the most widely advertised and engaged elections in my 5 years here at IU. Thank you to members of IUSG who helped assist in buying materials and advertising on social media, thank you to members of the student media who took to writing and producing stories to inform the entirety of campus, and thank you our IUSG advisor Ryan Kelly, for his tireless dedication to students.
This is my last election here at Indiana University, and I truly could not have thought out a better way to end my years here in IU Student Government. This experience has been a truly great experiment for the civic duty and public service that I hope encourages you all, no matter what your plans may be. I am impressed and inspired with the conduct of my fellow students, year after year, and it leaves me hopeful for the future.
And as always, if you haven't already, please turn in your final financial statement, which is due tomorrow at 10:00pm.
Thank you all for your time, Jack Tyndall Election Director
"Alexa Avellaneda and Anna Sofia Nguyen Loeb know that Indiana University deserves better; they know that Hoosiers deserve a student government who listens, empathizes, and acts. They are dedicated to not only empowering students, but empowering IU to take the next steps to truly bring on tomorrow.
Through a multitude of different experiences, both candidates bring their individual strengths to create a unique and united front that’s ready to fight for the needs of undergraduates, graduate student workers, faculty, and staff. Alexa has worked in multiple branches of IUSG while remaining involved in her multicultural organization, Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. With a strong background in grassroots organization, Alexa is ready to meet the challenges that IU is facing with a thoughtful and detail-oriented eye. Anna Sofia is sensitive to issues facing Greek life and multicultural groups on campus, with her involvement in Alpha Omicron Pi as a Vice President, Vietnamese Student Association, and Jewish organizations on campus. As a music business major, Anna Sofia brings creativity into everything she does, while also thinking critically and realistically when necessary.
EMPOWER emphasizes the importance of community in all aspects of student life, Greek life, academic and professional endeavors, the arts, and multicultural spaces, because the only way to make meaningful progress is to strengthen the community at IU. That progress includes advocating for the graduate workers, increased financial transparency, a $15 campus minimum wage, and expanded emergency and survivor support funds. It means prioritizing health and safety through better Narcan training, drug testing strip access, improved campus lighting, wellness days, and easier bias report training. It means protecting and funding culture centers, improving dining hall accessibility, and investing in sustainability and infrastructure that’ll make student life safer and easier.
EMPOWER is more than a ticket or a campaign; it’s a movement and a shared commitment. Choosing to be empowered and committing to making change is no small task. But Alexa and Anna Sofia are more than ready to lead with purpose and empower not only themselves, but more importantly, you."
"Forward candidates Dennis Lee and Anna Wagner believe Indiana University deserves a student government that listens, follows through, and delivers real results for every Hoosier. Forward is committed to building a campus rooted in opportunity, community, and belonging.
With experience across IU Student Government and campus leadership, we understand how policy becomes impactful. Dennis, an international student from Korea, has served in multiple branches of IUSG and currently leads IU’s Undergraduate Law Journal, gaining firsthand insight into student advocacy and the intricacies of institutional decision making. Anna, an Indiana-born environmental science major, is passionate about sustainability research and brings leadership experience from Women in Conservation and being a Sustainability Scholar. She is focused on wellness, inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Together, we offer both experience and fresh perspective.
Forward is focused on practical solutions for the issues students face every day. In our platform, we support easier access to mental health resources closer to where students are, stronger sexual violence prevention, safer campus infrastructure through improved lighting and transportation, increased disability accessibility, and meaningful support for food insecurity, including expanded kosher and halal options. In office, we will launch an e-government portal to centralize student resources and improve transparency, establish a Campus Innovation Fund to support student-led solutions, and host monthly forums to ensure student voices directly shape policy.
Forward is not about empty promises or impossible dreams. Dennis and Anna care about accountability, accessibility, and, importantly, practical action for all students. We believe student government works best when it is transparent, responsive, and built in partnership with the community it serves.
Voting for Forward means choosing leadership that will show up, listen closely, and work relentlessly to improve student life. Together, we can create a safer, more connected, and more inclusive Indiana University.
Any missing districts below are due to no candidates running in them. Vacant seats in districts can be filled 2 weeks after the election under the Congress tab!
Hey guys! My name is Kaylee Kramer and I’d love to represent you another year in Congress! I’m majoring in Criminology & Criminal Justice, making student rights always take priority in my decision making. This would be my second term, and I am so thankful for my time served in IUSG thus far. In my first term, I served on both Equity & Justice and Student life committees—supporting bills that benefit YOU! I want to continue my work to help improve our beautiful IU community, and I would love your vote to help me achieve this!
Luke Carman
Hey, Hoosiers! I’m Luke Carman, a community-driven leader committed to serving those around me. Having experience in student government and currently serving as your Student Body Vice President, I have the skills and insights to effectively address your concerns and usher positive change on our campus and in our community. You deserve representatives that have the experience to look out for your best interest, safeguard your wellbeing, and work collaboratively to ensure your voice is heard. If elected to the Student Body Congress, I assure you that YOUR needs will be at the forefront of my mind.
As the current Speaker of Congress—the chief legislative officer, and a Political Science and Education Policy junior, I’ve been in student government for the past three years, advocating for students. This work includes ensuring syllabus transparency before course registration, implementing equitable grading and evaluation practices, and supporting organizations such as the IDS. But there is more to do. Mental health challenges and new student loan limits are just some of the issues I am committed to addressing. I have also been working to make student government more accountable and responsive—because advocacy only works when it actually reaches you.
Meghana Penmathsa is a College of Arts and Sciences student studying International Law and Institutions. She is deeply committed to amplifying student voices and ensuring all students feel heard. Meghana hopes to utilize her skills to increase transparency, improve accessibility, and foster a more connected university community. She plans to create regular opportunities for Arts and Sciences students to share feedback and ensure their concerns are represented in Congress decisions. As a candidate for IUSG Congress, Meghana seeks to bring fresh perspectives to this role and ensure that students in the College of Arts and Sciences are fully represented.
My goal as a congressional representative is to uphold diversity and equity and ensure that high-quality student-facing legislation is passed to improve student experiences across campus. With 3 terms in Congress so far, I believe my experience in the body allows me to carry out my duties well and to work positively on developing the culture of the IU student body. I aim to look out for the interests of IU students above all else.
My name is Nathalya Chavez Medrano and I am a junior majoring in Political Science. I am a Congressional Candidate for CASE! Although this is my first year running for student government, I have a unique perspective of what it feels like to be a student left out of important conversations about our university. Especially in a time when our administration is against us, it is time for ALL students to have a seat at the table. I want to be your voice. A voice for all who feel silenced. I will make our voices heard now and always!
Akshay Purumandla
Hi everyone! I’m Akshay, a Kelley student studying Finance and Accounting, and I’m running to make student government more transparent and collaborative across IUSG and KSG. I want to simplify the funding process so it’s clear and approachable for all student organizations, especially newer or smaller clubs. That means creating an easy guide on how to apply, what strengthens an application, and how decisions are made. I also support brief post-event reflections to ensure funding is impactful and accountable. If you want clearer processes and stronger representation for our overlooked organizations across all of IU, I’d truly appreciate your vote.
Kelley students don’t struggle with ideas, we struggle with follow-through. I’ve sat in rooms where concerns were voiced, nodded at, and then quietly stalled. After four terms representing the University Division in IUSG Congress, I’ve learned that real impact comes from persistence, transparency, and actually listening. I care less about titles and more about conversations the ones after class, in hallways, or over coffee. I’m always open to hearing what’s working and what isn’t. As I run for a Kelley seat, my goal is simple: turn student voices into action and make sure no concern gets lost in the process.
Kushan Gupta
Maggie O'Callaghan
My name is Maggie O’Callaghan, and I am a freshman from Bedford, New York. I am eager to serve as a Kelley School of Business representative because I am driven, motivated, and passionate about contributing to the community. Through my experience serving on committees, councils, and boards, I have developed strong leadership and collaboration skills. Additionally, since September I have interned for Eric Cannon, the Recorder for Congress, which has strengthened my professionalism and confidence. If selected, I would be honored to represent Kelley with integrity, enthusiasm, and genuine commitment to being a strong and thoughtful voice for our school.
I am a student in the Kelley School of Business majoring in Finance and Accounting and a current member of the IUSG Congress. Since arriving at IU, I have worked within Congress on the Oversight and Finance Committee to allocate funding to Kelley student organizations and support initiatives that directly benefit students. I understand how student government works and how to navigate it effectively. I am committed to listening to student voices and using their input to guide funding decisions, while defending freedom of speech and promoting the communication of diverse opinions.
I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, went to the University of Georgia for my freshman year, and transferred to IU as a sophomore. As soon as I got to IU, I started as a congressman for off-campus housing where I co-authored the bill that brought the Bison back as our mascot, and polled hundreds of students in a snowstorm to make sure the bill would pass. I was then elected as speaker of congress (the leader of the organization) and made congress a more friendly and enjoyable experience for all. I look forward to continuing my advocacy for our students!
I’m Shreen Shavkani, a Kelley student running for IUSG Congress to bring a results-driven, policy-minded approach to campus-wide issues. As an upperclassman highly involved across Kelley organizations, I’ve experienced the day-to-day friction students face and heard consistent feedback from peers across campus.
My goal is simple: fewer surprises, less runaround, and a campus that feels safer to move through.
I’ll focus on cost transparency, clearer navigation of student services, and transportation + night safety, improving reliability and communication, lighting accountability, and awareness of all resources, with real updates you can track. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Hi everyone! My name is Tanishi, and I served as one of your representatives for the Kelley School of Business in IU Student Government this past semester. In this role, I actively engaged with constituents, researched key issues, and listened closely to student concerns to ensure their voices were reflected in school-wide decisions. I believe representation means voting for what students actually want. By voting for me, you’re choosing a representative committed to listening, reducing unnecessary barriers to student life, and supporting meaningful change that reflects the Kelley community.
Louison Savarese is a twice returning canidate to the Luddy School seat. In his time in Congress he served as the Chair of the Committee on Oversight & Finance. This upcoming year he is excited to see through his goals in student government, including finishing legislation on allowing referenda for the student body to be directly involved in IUSG, empowering student government to speak directly on political issues, to better engage with the administration, and to improve connections with the deans of schools directly, allowing a piecemeal approach to making change on Campus.
Hi! I’m Maia, a Policy Analysis major committed to making O’Neill, and IU, joyful and community-oriented spaces. I care deeply about SPEA and the community that makes it feel like home. I’m running because I want to help make our school even more welcoming, engaging, and supportive for everyone. I’d love the chance to represent you and give back to the place that’s given me so much.
I’m Tyler Travis, a Secondary Education major from Plymouth, Indiana. I believe in practical solutions, honest work, and minimal nonsense. My priorities are simple: advocate, protect and improve students experience at IU. When I’m not in class, I’m probably at the gym or rewatching Parks and Recreation. That's all.
Hey Hoosiers! My name is Maddi Sponsel, and I'm running for my 4th term in Congress. This past year, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Executive Chief of Staff, which has given me a new perspective on how best to represent student needs and interests. Before being Chief of Staff, I served in Congress my freshman and sophomore years. When I’m not at the IUSG office, you’ll probably find me taking pictures in Memorial Stadium or Assembly Hall, where I work for IU Athletics as a photographer. Thank you for participating in this election and vote Sponsel for Congress!
Isaac Chapman-Whitehead
Campaign Guide
The Campaign Guide provides an overview of key rules, procedures, and dates for IUSG elections. While it helps candidates navigate their campaigns, it is not all-inclusive, and candidates are encouraged to consult the IUSG bylaws for additional details. The Spring 2026 Campaign Guide can be found below.
Campus-wide student government elections are held every semester, September and March. This Spring Election voting period is March 2nd to March 4th! During this election, the student body will elect a president/vice president ticket, 20 academic congress representatives, and fill any vacancies in residential congressional seats. The timeline below will be updated periodically as dates are finalized.
Friday, January 2, 2026: Presidential Declaration of Candidacy Available
No later than this date, the Election Director will prepare and publish on the IUSG website the official form to declare candidacy for student body president and vice president and appear on the ballot.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Congressional Representative Declaration of Candidacy Available
No later than February 2nd, the Election Director will prepare and publish on the IUSG website the official form to declare candidacy for congressional representative and appear on the ballot.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:00pm IMU Club Hub: Callout Meeting for Prospective Candidates
Students interested in running in the election are encouraged to attend this informational session. Attendance is NOT required, and attendance at this event will NOT result in you being required to sign up to run.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 @ 11:59 PM: Filing Declaration Deadline
All persons wishing to appear on the Spring 2026 presidential or congressional ballot must submit their declarations by this date. Additionally, executive tickets must submit their petition with 1% of the student body’s signatures by this deadline by emailing it to the election director.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 9:00 PM through Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 10 PM: Campaign Period
Campaigning is not allowed until the filing deadline has passed. After that point, candidates and tickets have until before voting ends on March 4th.
Wednesday, February 11: Announcement of Candidate List
When a prospective candidate or ticket submits their declaration of candidacy, the Election Director has seven business days to accept or reject the declaration based on candidate eligibility and filing requirements. Once the Manager has made its decision on all filed declarations, it will publicly announce the list of candidates for each race.
*Wednesday, February 11, 7:00 PM, IMU Oak Room: All-Candidate Meeting
Informational meeting for all candidates who successfully filed for candidacy by the filing deadline. Every Congressional candidate must attend this meeting, and every Presidential ticket must have at least one representative present. In addition, no later than this meeting, the Election Director will prepare and publish on the IUSG website a suggested template for the financial statement.
Wednesday, February 18, 5:30 p.m. ET, Briscoe Center Building, Student Activity Room: Presidential Candidate Town Hall
Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of all candidates for President and Vice President. All Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates must participate in the town hall event.
Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m. ET, IMU Frangipani Room: Presidential Candidate Debate
Moderators will pose questions to the candidates, and audience members will also have the chance to submit their own questions. All Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates must participate in the debate.
Tuesday, February 24, 11:59 p.m. ET: Candidate/Ticket Bio Deadline
Deadline for a candidate or ticket to submit to the Election Director a written statement to appear alongside the candidate’s name on the ballot. The word-count maximum is 100 words for Congressional candidates and 350 words for Presidential tickets.
Tuesday, February 24, 11:59 p.m. ET: Candidate Withdrawal Deadline
Candidates may withdraw from the election and remove their names from the ballot by emailing the Election Director by this date.
Thursday, February 26: Ballot Review
The Election Director will send each candidate or ticket a copy of the official election ballot for review. Any issues must be brought to the attention of the Director no later than 2 days later, February 28.
Monday, March 2, 2026 @ 10 AM through Wednesday, March 4, 2026 @ 10 PM: Voting Period
On the morning of March 2, every student enrolled at IU Bloomington will receive an email from the Election Director that includes the link to cast their ballot. Ballots will be live for thirty-six hours, from 10:00 a.m. ET on March 2 to 10:00 p.m. ET on March 4.
Thursday, March 5, 10:00 p.m. ET: Election Complaint Deadline
Any and all election complaints must be submitted via the form available on the IUSG website by this date.
Friday, March 6: Preliminary Result Announcement
Once all properly cast votes have been tabulated, the Election Director will announce the candidates that received the most votes in each race, not including any disqualified candidates. The result is not final until certified by the Supreme Court. Before certification, the only events that could alter the result in any race are:
A candidate or ticket who received enough votes to be elected is subsequently disqualified due to an unresolved election violation case; or
A candidate or ticket who received enough votes to be elected fails to submit a final financial statement (see below); or
A candidate or ticket who received enough votes to be elected had previously been disqualified, but that disqualification is subsequently overturned by the Supreme Court on appeal.
Saturday, March 7, 10:00 p.m. ET: Final Financial Statement Deadline
Every candidate and ticket is required to submit a financial statement that details all campaign donations and expenditures over the course of the election period. Failure to submit a final financial statement by this deadline is an election violation. The Supreme Court shall have the discretion to determine the classification of the violation and shall consult with the election director to assess whether the delay in submission materially affected the election results or the election process.
Following the announcement of the preliminary election results, Representatives-elect will be contacted about Student Representative Orientation. All Representatives-elect must attend an orientation session. At orientation, Representatives-elect will meet one another and will be given a comprehensive onboarding about IU Student Government and their authorities and responsibilities as Members of Congress.
Late March: Election Certification
Once five days have elapsed since the end of the voting period, financial statements are submitted, and any pending election violation cases have been resolved, the Student Body Supreme Court will formally certify which candidates were elected in each race. Certification is FINAL.
Late March: Swearing-In of Representatives Elected to Fill Vacancies (Congressional vacancy election winners ONLY)
As soon as the Supreme Court transmits the certified election results to Congress, the Representatives-elect who were elected to fill vacancies in residential districts (as opposed to the 20 Representatives-elect elected from academic districts for full one-year terms) will be able to take the affirmation of office and begin exercising their authorities and duties as Representatives.
Mid-March to Mid-April: Transition Preparation (Presidential election winners ONLY)
The incoming President-elect and Vice President-elect will meet with the outgoing President and Vice President, begin selecting their cabinet nominees for confirmation by Congress, enter ongoing deliberations among members of Congress on finalizing the next year’s IUSG budget, and speak with members of Congressional leadership about possible legislative agenda items for the first few months of their term.
Monday, April 6, 2026, 7:30 PM: Organizing Day, Swearing-In of Representatives Elected for Full Terms (Congressional election winners ONLY)
This is the first official meeting, known as “Organizing Day,” of the 2026 legislative session of IU Student Body Congress, which will last from April 6, 2026, to October, 2026. Representatives-elect who were elected from academic districts to full one-year terms will be formally sworn into office, and Congress will elect its Speaker and other officers and adopt its Standing Rules, all by majority vote. Adopting the Standing Rules is an annual process by which the incoming Congress establishes its meeting schedules, legislative process, committees, debate rules, and more. All Representatives and Representatives-elect must attend Organizing Day.
April 15: Presidential Inauguration
Once sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at a ceremony to honor both the outgoing and incoming administrations, the President-elect and Vice President-elect will officially take office as the next Student Body President and Student Body Vice President of Indiana University.
Financial Statements
All candidates are required to submit a financial statement (even if it is blank and no money was spent). Statements are due after the voting period ends. The template for finacial statements is below:
After declaring your intent to run for office, the elections manager will advertise a way in which candidates can reserve tabling slots at the IMU, Kelley Arboretum, and outisde of Ballantine Hall. Should you wish to reserve a space beyond a table, you should email the election director at iusgelco@iu.edu.
Advisory Opinions
Advisory opinions can be submitted to request clarifications about the election code. Each advisory opinion request must include a specific action or procedure and reference to a specific section or sections of the election code. The election code can be found in Title 3 of the IUSG Bylaws. Requests must be submitted via the form here. Upon issuance, all advisory opinions will be made publically available here.
For all files/records relating to elections, please visit this page to access the folder link. Note you must be logged into your IU account.
