Staff writers Penelope Spencer-Simpson and Bella Steiner outline why King’s students should ensure they have their say in voting in the KCLSU elections this week.
The King’s College Student Union (KCLSU) annual elections offer the chance for students to implement change in the university and elevate their concerns on behalf of the student body.
Representing over 42,000 students across campuses, students are running for a myriad of roles including: President, VP for Activities & Development, VP for Welfare and Community, VPs for Education (Health and Arts & Sciences), and, VP for Post-Graduates.
These positions help bridge the gap between students and staff who run our University. They will sit in sub-committee meetings, be the principal contacts for senior King’s Staff, and be at the forefront of how KCLSU runs and supports its students. KCLSU supports students in financing, advising and helping manage societies effectively.
These elected positions help run our Student Union. From the allocation of funding, bursaries, and events to representing the student body to the committees that run King’s.
However, turnout has historically been significantly low. In the 2025 Presidential election, only 10.1% of the student population voted, with 4,143 votes cast out of a total of 40,870 students. For VP Activities and Development, turnout was 6.5%, while VP for Education (Arts & Sciences) turnout was 6.1% in the 2025 elections.
Even so, casting your vote for KCLSU Society roles is just as crucial for the next academic year. KCLSU bye-law 15 states that “each student group must have a minimum of two committee positions” which includes a president and a treasurer. Therefore, societies need their members to vote in these elections to validate their status as a society for the upcoming academic year.
Voting in these elections has a long-term impact. Not only does it allow you to shape the student community of the present and the future, but it also allows you to engage with campaigns at the heart of King’s.
As a voter, you have the means to be actively involved in the endeavours beyond the halls of the university. Like any general or local election, the KCLSU is an opportunity to shape policies that impact us as students directly.
Voting is now open, you can vote in person at any KCLSU polling station on campus between 10am to 4pm.
Or, vote online via the KCLSU website. The polls will close at 16:00 on Thursday 5 March 2026.
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