The unofficial results for the 2018 Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) membership referendum were confirmed by Deputy Returning Officer, Nzube Ekpunobi, who told the Charlatan students voted to remain in the CFS by a margin of 262 votes.
A voter turnout of just over 17 per cent was achieved, with a minimum of 10 per cent required per CFS’ bylaws to hold quorum for the referendum. Out of a possible 26,321 eligible voters, 4,530 voted.
The referendum asked students to vote on whether they’re in favour of the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) continuing its membership with the CFS.
Results are as follows:
“Are you in favour of continued membership in the CFS?”
Yes: 2,396
No: 2,134
Spoiled Votes: 18
According to Ekpunobi, unofficial votes are subject to a verification of the following: ensuring quorum has been met by verifying the total eligible voters, verifying the eligibility of double-enveloped ballots, and a final ratification by the CFS.
In an email, Chief Returning Officer Steven Gaon said the results will likely not change.
“I can add that it would be rare for the result of “yes” (to remain in the CFS) or “no” (to leave the CFS) to change once the vote has been ratified and made official,” Gaon said.
According to CFS’ bylaws, CUSA must wait a minimum of five years before it can seek defederation again.
Carleton students voted Oct. 17-19 via paper ballot in five different location on campus.
Official results will be made available after the ratification process.
