The IAFC has simplified the process for voting this year for 2nd vice president, bylaw changes and section officers. Members will cast their votes through a single electronic ballot tailored to each member. This change applies only for section elections conducted by electronic ballot.
Why the change?
In recent years, we’ve seen more members receiving multiple ballots (often with differing login requirements for each) and being asked to vote in elections with overlapping voting dates.
This system was inefficient and confusing (for example, members thinking they voted in one election when in fact they voted in another one). It also suppressed voter turnout for both IAFC and section elections.
How was it determined to go with a single ballot?
Chief Kerr, 2015-2016 IAFC president, established the Elections Task Force in 2015 and appointed representatives from the IAFC Elections Committee and the sections. Its mission was to consider the feasibility of moving to a single electronic ballot with a single voting period and to report to the IAFC board of directors and the Constitution, Bylaws and Resolutions Committee before FRI 2016.
The CBR Committee concluded that the IAFC could move forward with a beta test of a common ballot in 2017 without first requiring section bylaw changes. The IAFC board then accepted the recommendations of the Elections Task Force to adopt a single, electronic ballot and a common voting period for IAFC and section elections beginning in 2017.
How does the single ballot work?
Members will receive an email from our elections provider, Survey and Ballot Systems, with their unique login credentials. Once logged in, members will see their unique ballot, which includes only those elections for which the member is eligible to vote.
Do I have to cast all my votes all at the same time?
No. You can vote in one or more elections, then come back to your ballot at a later time and vote in other elections.
When will I receive my ballot?
Your login credentials will be sent to you via email directly from Survey and Ballot Systems on April 27. Make sure to check your spam filter if you don’t receive the email. Also, at any time during the voting period, you can go to the voting page and provide your email address on file with the IAFC and your login credentials will be sent to you.
When can I vote?
Voting is April 27–June 8.
We realize that any change can take a bit getting used to it. We appreciate your patience and we welcome your feedback on this new voting system. If you have questions or need assistance, email Elections@iafc.org