A Guide to Chapter Elections EIGHT STEPS TO A CHAPTER S TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY
The Election Process Step 1: The Screening Committee is Appointed Step 2: The Election Committee is Appointed Step 3: Written Notice is Provided Step 4: Election of the Board of Directors Step 5: Results are electronically submitted Step 6: Ratification Step 7: The Oath is Administered Step 8: Election of Officers
How many Directors should a chapter elect? Article V, Section 3, Paragraph 1, provides that if the chapter membership is : 1 20, the chapter shall elect 7 Directors 21-49, the chapter shall elect between 7 and 15 Directors 50-99, the chapter shall elect between 7 and 17 Directors 100 199, the chapter shall elect 19 Directors 200 or more, the chapter shall elect 21 Directors
When should the election meeting be scheduled? In May of the odd numbered years 2017 2019 2021 2023.
What has to be done before the election? Screening Committee determines who can be a candidate Election Committee determines who can vote Written notice of the election meeting is given
The Past President s Dilemma Scenario 1: Maria has just finished her second term as President. What does she have to do to secure he seat as a member of the Board of Directors? Scenario 2: Maria is the immediate past president and Helen, the current president, is unsure whether she wants to run for another term. Additionally, Maria is not sure that Helen would succeed in her bid for reelection. How would you advise Maria? Scenario 3: Maria is the advisor and Helen, the president, has just completed her second term. Helen
What constitutes the year prior to the election? From the May meeting of the prior year through to the meeting immediately before the Election Meeting
Who is eligible to serve as a Director? Article V, Section 3, Paragraph 2: A full member In good standing with the parish and the chapter for at least one full year Who has attended at least 4 meetings in the last year
Who is eligible to vote? A full members in good standing with the chapter Three month rule for new members
What is a member is good standing? For the purposes of election to the Board, a member in good standing is one who has fulfilled her financial commitment to stewardship for the current year
How should the chapter conduct the election? No mandated process. Chapters may choose between: The Nominations process or The Slate Process
What s the difference? Nomination Nominations are made at the meeting and willingness to serve is confirmed to serve at the meeting Slate The Screening Committee confirms willingness to serve before the election; a prepared list of candidates is offered. N.B. Candidate must be present to accept nomination N.B. Additional nominations can still be made at the meeting
What about balloting? Only eligible members may cast ballots Only proper ballots may be counted Report results only not the numbers Destroy the ballots immediately after the meeting
What s left to do? Ratification Within 14 days of the election of the Board, electronically notify the National Office of the new directors After review by the National Office, ratification is issued and the priest shall install the new elected Board of Directors with the oath of office
Can the election be challenged? A protest must : Be In writing Be Signed by the challenging member Set forth the impropriety Be made within 7 days of the election, and Be mailed to the National President The decision of the National President is final
What about the oath and the officers? Officers are elected after receipt of the ratification and the oath of office is administered Election of officers is conducted by the Advisor to the Board Remember the rules governing officers
What are the rules governing officers? Only two consecutive elected terms Only one office at a time Waivers my be granted but not more than once Additional qualifications for the presidency
Elections are done The transfer of authority is complete and the good work begins