An hour after voting closed, Notre Dame students were informed via an email from Judicial Council that sophomore Jerry Vielhauer and junior Sonia Lumley will serve as student body president and vice president, respectively, for the 2025-26 term. This marks only the second time that a ticket has run unopposed.
Data attached to the email reveals that Vielhauer and Lumley received 899 votes, while the “abstain” option received 716 votes. “Abstain” votes have been ignored in final percentage calculations since the 2008 election, therefore the attached pie chart showed them receiving 100% of the “valid” votes.
A screenshot of the data attached in Wednesday night's email from judicial council. Following protocol established in 2008, “abstain” votes were removed from percentage calculations.
Only 1,621 votes were cast, resulting in an 18% turnout — the lowest in recent history. Students were sent two emails from judicial council reminding them to vote via an email link between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Last year’s election saw 50% voter turnout. An analysis by The Observer of the past 37 student body elections found that turnout consistently reached at least 28%, with the exception of the 2002, 1997 and 1993 elections where voter turnout data was unavailable. The 28% turnout rate belongs to the 2012 election, which was also the only other single-ticket election in Notre Dame history.
In a post on their campaign Instagram, Vielhauer and Lumley wrote, “THANK YOU!!! We have officially been declared winners of this year’s Student Body President and Vice President Election. We are filled with gratitude and are honored to have been given this opportunity. We appreciate all of your support throughout this election process.We couldn’t have done it without the overwhelming support of the Notre Dame student body. We are looking forward to serving you for this upcoming year!! Go Irish‼️☘️.”
