Your Vote Matters: Why Every Queen’s Student Needs to Participate in the Upcoming AMS Referendum
This fall, Queen’s students will once again have the chance to shape how our student fees are used! The Fall 2025 AMS Elections & Referenda Season is focused entirely on fee referenda, where we decide whether to continue, increase, or introduce specific student activity fees that fund clubs and campus initiatives. These votes might seem small, but together they determine how accessible, inclusive, and vibrant our campus life will be next year! Your vote directly impacts what services and opportunities are available to all students.
What’s Happening This Fall
The fee referendum officially began with validation forms due on September 22, followed by an information session on October 7. Campaigning runs from November 5 to 11, and voting takes place from November 12 to 14, entirely online.
Students can review details of each proposal in the AMS Validation Package, available on myams.org.
Who’s on the Ballot and What They’re Proposing
Twelve clubs and organizations are bringing forward fee proposals this semester. Here’s a quick breakdown of what your “yes” or “no” vote would support:
Queen’s EngiQueers (EngiQueer) – Advocating for inclusivity within the engineering community, this group seeks continued support for outreach and community-building events that promote LGBTQ2S+ visibility in STEM.
AMS Food Bank – Requesting a $1.50 increase to meet growing demand and maintain consistent access to nutritious, essential food items for students in need.
CFRC 101.9 FM – The Queen’s campus and community radio station is seeking continued funding to support equipment maintenance, training, and student-led programming.
Kingston Canadian Film Festival (KCFF) – Proposing to maintain its $0.50 student fee, which funds student-focused film programming and partnerships.
Queen’s Project Sunshine – Asking for the continuation of its $0.15 opt-out fee for the next three years. The group brings joy and support to children facing medical challenges through volunteer-led programs!
Queen’s Bridge Building Team – Requesting continued funding to allow engineering students to participate in regional and national competitions
Queen’s First Aid – Seeking an adjustment from $3.75 to $4.25 to continue providing first aid training and event coverage across campus
Queen’s Pinoy Association – Keeping its $0.10 fee, ensuring continued celebration and visibility of Filipino culture through events and community initiatives
Students for Special Olympics – Maintaining its $0.25 fee, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through fundraising and inclusive sports programs
SWAM Kingston (Swimming with a Mission) – Continuing its $0.10 fee to provide affordable swimming lessons for children with disabilities, supported by trained Queen’s student volunteers
Why It Matters
While fee referenda may not feel as exciting as electing a new executive, they’re just as impactful! These small contributions fund vital programs, shape the student experience, and make the university a more inclusive and supportive place for everyone. Every dollar in these fees helps sustain essential services, from emergency response coverage to food security initiatives and cultural representation on campus. Voting “yes” or “no” isn’t just about money; it’s about deciding what kind of community you want your campus to be. So this November 12–14, take a few minutes to log in, read through the proposals, and make your voice heard!
Taking part in this referendum is more than a campus decision : it’s a meaningful first step in practicing civic engagement and building the habit of voting for the communities you’ll be part of long after Queen’s.
For any questions, concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the Communications Office, at . We’re here to help.