Do I have to wait until Thursday to vote?
You can vote as soon as Tuesday, April 24, at 12:01 a.m. You are encouraged to vote early so you do not forget to do so.
What if I can't find the voting area on myGate?
The myGate announcement with the link to vote will appear on Tuesday morning (12:01AM) on the Home tab, in the "Elections and Assessments" channel, which is at the bottom of the first column. If you are unable to find it e-mail mhale@murraystate.edu or call 809-2387. If you were recently hired or if you are classified as faculty you will be unable to vote.
Will anyone know how I vote?
No. VoteNet allows you to print a receipt of your vote. The only way anyone will know how you vote is if you tell them. Please cast your vote in private!
Are you getting a running count of how many votes each candidate currently has?
VoteNet will not release any vote totals until the election is over. VoteNet will provide the results to Staff Congress on Friday morning.
I can't get on myGate. What do I do?
Call the Help Desk. Their number is 809-2346.
Can I change my vote?
You can change your vote up to the point where you press the green "VOTE" button. Once you press VOTE your choices become final and can't be changed.
Can I vote by paper ballot this year?
Paper ballots are not available this year. All voting must be done through myGate.
When will the results be known?
The results will be posted on this website Friday morning, April 27.
Where can I see who won?
Election results will be posted on this website, www.murraystate.edu/staffvote, on Friday morning, April 27.
Do I have to vote from a computer on campus?
You can vote from any computer any place in the world that can access myGate.
What happens if I am still voting at midnight on Thursday?
VoteNet will shut the poll down at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, according to the time on its computer. It is unclear if some sort of message will appear on screen warning those who are in the system at the time to finalize their vote. You have 71 hours and 58 minutes to vote--don't wait until the last minute or your vote may not count.
Can I request an absentee ballot?
There is no need for an absentee ballot. You can vote online from any computer capable of accessing VoteNet between 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, and 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 26.
How accurate is the voting system?
VoteNet is a commercial operation which has been in business since 2001. They have more than 1400 clients worldwide. Staff Congress, SGA and Faculty Senate have conducted elections via VoteNet with no problems.
Where are the write-in blanks?
Write-in voting is allowed in categories which do not have enough candidates for the available openings. A write-in option is available for that category since fewer candidate filed to run for election than the number of open seats.
How to do I write-in a candidate?
Assuming the race allows for a write-in, your ballot will contain two boxes. You may type one person's name into each box. Once you type the name you will need to check the box to the left of the name to actually cast a vote for the person. You are limited to one person's name per box.
How do I know if the person whose name I write in is eligible to serve?
The eligibility of write-ins will be verified by Human Resources after the election. The person who receives the most write-in votes will be given the chance to accept or decline the position. If the person declines, the employee receiving the next highest number of write-in votes will be contacted. This process will continue until someone accepts the nomination or we run out of names.
How long will the winners serve?
Staff Congress representatives serve a three-year term. Their terms will begin July 1, 2018 and expire on June 30, 2021.
Why should I take the time to vote?
Your vote will determine who represents you on Staff Congress. In 2012, 2014 and 2017 there were runoff elections after two candidates tied. One vote separated the winner and the runner-up in the 2012 runoff election. Two votes separated the winner and the runner-up in the 2014 and 2017 runoff elections.
How are employment categories determined?
Each member of staff falls into one of four categories. Employees working at Breathitt Veterinary Center are categorized as BVC. Everyone else is classified as either secretarial/clerical, general/Facilities Management, or executive/managerial/professional by Human Resources based on job duties
Do I need to know my category to vote?
Your employment category has been programmed into the system. You will automatically see the races in which you are eligible to vote.
What is the at-large category?
All staff are able to vote in the at-large category.
Why can't I vote for someone in a different employment category?
If the candidate is running for an at-large position you can vote for him/her. Candidates running in a particular employment category are elected by staff in that category. They provide a voice on Staff Congress for that category of employee.
Why don't you still vote by paper ballot?
Murray State has staff in several locations. These employees have a variety of different work schedules. Online voting allows all eligible employees to vote at a time which is convenient for them. Eliminating paper ballots saves the University money on printing and mailing costs.