The report of the Nominating Committee should be given at the meeting prior to the election. This is necessary to give all of the members an opportunity to study the candidates carefully and then vote intelligently. The bylaws usually contain a statement requiring a certain time limit between the nominations and the actual elections. The time of the election meeting should be established and an effort made to have every member present.

Voting by secret ballot is the best method of voting. It is one of our cherished rights in a democracy that should be fostered by the organization. Everyone in good standing, including the nominees, should be permitted to vote. A good method for the ballot counting is for the president to appoint a Teller Committee to count the votes. Previous to the election, the chapter should decide whether the results of the counting of the ballots will be reported only in terms of who was elected or whether the number of votes received by each candidate should be reported. Also, it should be decided whether the most votes or a definite majority of all votes cast is necessary for election. Once again, these issues are normally a part of the organization bylaws.

Many organizations, particularly those with small memberships, have found it desirable to close nominations and elect one officer at a time. As indicated earlier, this permits the nomination of previously defeated candidate(s) for another office. In large groups where there are many members available to fill the offices, it may be best to have a prepared ballot on which all of the candidates are listed. If this is done, the entire slate of officers is voted upon with one ballot.

The bylaws should include a tie breaking procedure in the event such a situation occurs. It is much easier to resolve these kinds of issues in advance rather than at the time they occur. This will more likely prevent hurt feelings.

There may be occasions when it is best to nominate only one person for an office. If there are no further nominations from the floor and it has been moved and passed that the nominations be closed, a motion can and should be presented to elect the person by acclamation.

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Send questions about this website to Denise Davies at ddavies@ag.arizona.edu.   For course information or questions not included in these pages contact Dr. James Knight. Copyright (c) 1998 Department of Agricultural Education, The University of Arizona.  Website version 1.2, last updated on Thursday, August 16, 2001.