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In his March 18 letter to all Branches, President Rolando issued a blanket dispensation permitting Branches to postpone scheduled nominations and elections without requesting dispensation from the President to do so. The letter also noted that “postponed nominations and elections should be rescheduled as expeditiously as possible.

For the foreseeable future, the pandemic may prevent some Branches from conducting normal elections of officers and delegates using the procedures in their by-laws.  For example, Branches that normally nominate candidates and vote at scheduled Branch meetings will not be able to do so if in-person meetings are postponed indefinitely. 

To address this situation, Branches should consider alternative procedures for conducting nominations and elections.  For example, nominations may be submitted by mail or through video web conferencing (e.g. Zoom, WebEx, etc.).  Elections could be conducted by mail ballot or at designated polling places.

Branches may submit to President Rolando requests for dispensation to implement alternative election procedures.  Such procedures must be consistent with the Constitution and the NALC Regulations Governing Branch Election Procedures.  For example, Branches must ensure that an election committee is appointed and capable of supervising all aspects of the election; that  all active and retired members have a reasonable opportunity to nominate candidates for any office; and that all active and retired members can vote by secret ballot. Branches must also have processes in place sufficient to accommodate observers.  

A timely notice of nominations and election must be mailed to all members that accurately describes the alternative procedures. The notice must be mailed at least 10 days before nominations and at least 45 days before the election. 

If any branch needs advice or assistance in developing alternative nomination and elections procedures, it may contact Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Paul Barner.