At the General Membership meeting that had proper notice of 20 days, the elections are held. Have a current Membership Roster available because only current members my vote.

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The Secretary reads the Bylaws Article VI: Section 5 which says, "For an uncontested election where there is only a single nominee for an elected position, a verbal vote is acceptable. For a contested election where nominees are proposed both from the floor and from the slate presented by the Nominating Committee, a ballot vote must be used. Proof of membership is required for participation in either election. A majority vote constitutes an election." And Article X states that "Further nominations may be made 'from the floor.' Such nominees must submit written notice of their intent to run to the President and Secretary at least 15 days before elections."

 

The Nominating Committee Chair reads its report stating the name and position for each office. 

 

If an election has both contested and uncontested positions, the appropriate script is used for each position.

For an Uncontested Election:

1. The Chair states, "For President, [name] has been nominated by the Nominating Committee. There were no further nominations for President from the floor and nominations are closed.” The Chair repeats for each position.

2. The Chair says, "The Bylaws state a voice vote is acceptable when there is but one nominee for an office. All those in favor of the slate of officers as presented, say aye. (pause) All those opposed, say nay. (pause) The ayes have it and the slate as presented is elected. Congratulations.​

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For a Contested Election:

1. The Chair states, "For [contested position], [name] has been nominated by the Nominating Committee and [name] was nominated from the floor. Nominations are closed. 

2. All each nominee to speak about themselves for two or three minutes.

3. As President, I appoint [four people] as tellers for the Teller Committee. Will [specific Teller’s name] serve as chair? The voting members will rise and count off. A teller will hand you a ballot as you count off. Please take your seat immediately after saying your number and receiving your ballot. Beginning with the member in the front row to my far left, please say ‘one’ and then be seated. There are [number] voting members present.

4. The candidates for [contested position] are [name 1] and [name 2]. Using the ballot provided, write your choice for election, and then individually fold your ballot ONLY ONCE. Do not combine or fold any votes together.” (Allow two or three minutes for voting.) Have all voted who wish to vote? Will the tellers please collect the ballots?” The President proceeds with other business until the tellers are ready to report. 

5. Tellers leave to count ballots. Illegal ballots include two ballots folded together, a ballot including the names of too many candidates, or an unintelligible ballot. If the meaning of an unintelligible ballot is doubtful but the ballot would not affect the results of the election, the ballot shall be ignored. If the ballot affects the outcome, it is shown to the chair who should ask the membership for a ruling. If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast for the office, then it is necessary to re-ballot. The voting members must first be recounted. If a member eligible to vote was not present when the original ballot was cast but arrives in time for another vote, the member is entitled to vote.

6. Teller Committee Chair reads the report. “The Teller Committee reports that the number of members eligible to vote is [#]. The number of votes cast is [#]. The number of illegal votes cast is [#]. The number of votes needed for election is [#]. [Name 1] received [#] votes. [Name 2] received [#] votes. 

7. The Chair rereads the report and announces the results for each office. The secretary enters the Teller Committee Report including counts and totals in the minutes.  Following the announcement of the vote, the chair of the tellers moves that the ballots be destroyed.