This post was updated May 9 at 4:02 p.m.

Editor’s note: Based on information from the Graduate Student Association available at the time of publication, the original version of this article stated that the Establishing Meaningful Bruin Resources, Activities, Community & Experiences referendum would not appear on the Undergraduate Students Association Council election ballot because of its failure to pass with graduate and professional students. However, the USA Elections board has since decided that the referendum will still appear on the USAC election ballot as an advisory vote.

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) election results were announced Wednesday.

Six candidates ran for four positions: president, vice president of internal affairs, vice president of external affairs and vice president of academic affairs. The election saw a 9.16% turnout – with 1,183 students out of 12,921 eligible to vote submitting ballots – a higher percentage than 2022’s 8.9% turnout.

The results will be approved by the GSA Forum on May 9.

The Establishing Meaningful Bruin Resources, Activities, Community & Experiences (E.M.B.R.A.C.E) referendum failed, with 59.1% of votes against and 40.9% of votes in favor. The E.M.B.R.A.C.E referendum – which also required election turnout to exceed 10% – would have increased the student union fee from $23 to $47 per quarter and from $34.50 to $70.50 per semester.

Since graduate and professional students failed to pass the referendum, it will appear on the Undergraduate Students Association Council’s election ballot as an advisory vote to gauge student interest. 

Election results:

GSA President: Noor Nakhaei

Nakhaei was reelected for a third term after receiving 70.6% of votes. She is a doctoral student in computer science.

GSA Vice President of Internal Affairs: Elisa Nesi Rocha

Nesi Rocha was reelected for a second term after receiving 54% of votes. She is a graduate student in Latin American studies.

GSA Vice President of External Affairs: Sonya Brooks

Brooks was reelected for a second term after receiving 988 votes. The doctoral student in UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies ran unopposed.

GSA Vice President of Academic Affairs: Chanel Cox

Cox was elected after receiving 963 votes. The graduate student in African American studies ran unopposed.