NOMINATING AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
By Rainey Boateng, NEC Member and Western Election Area Representative, 2025-26 Nominating and Elections Committee, necwest @ nsna. org,
Are You Considering Running for Office? Now Is the Time.
If you’ ve been thinking about running for office, there is no better time to begin. Don’ t hesitate— there is still ample time to prepare. By pre-slating before January 13, 2026, at 11:30 PM Eastern Time, you gain the opportunity to begin campaigning before the annual convention. Only pre-slated candidates are permitted to campaign early, giving you a valuable head start and signaling to delegates that you are serious about serving within the National Student Nurses’ Association( NSNA). Pre-slating allows you to introduce yourself, share your qualifications, and highlight the unique skills and experiences you bring.
Elections are held each year during the NSNA Annual Convention. The next convention will take place April 8 – 11, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Planning ahead gives you time to develop your campaign strategy and gather all required materials well before you arrive. This preparation is important because convention is an immersive experience filled with opportunities to network, explore the nursing profession, learn about advanced education and career pathways, and fully participate in all events. Collecting required documents at the last minute— especially for those running from the floor— can be stressful and may take away from the overall experience. Additionally, candidates running from the floor may not campaign until after they are nominated by the House of Delegates.
When you pre-slate, you will receive confirmation from the NSNA Nominations and Elections Committee( NEC) acknowledging your application. To be considered, your application must be submitted before the deadline. If you are unsure which position to pursue, you may indicate up to three preferred roles( with a minimum of two). The NEC will review your application and offer you a position on the slate that best aligns with your qualifications. Even if you choose not to pre-slate, submitting your application before convention is still strongly encouraged, as it ensures you receive all necessary materials in advance.
Submitting your application early is especially important due to the number of components required. To complete the application, you will need:
n Your current NSNA membership number and expiration date
n A valid passport number and expiration date( for candidates for President and Vice President)
n A physically signed Letter of Approval and Support from your program Dean or Director
n A letter of reference from a current faculty member( not the Dean / Director)
n A physically signed letter of reference from a current nursing student officer in your state association or school chapter
n An up-to-date résumé n Completed short-answer essays
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