MESSAGE FROM THE ELECTION COMMITTEE

2023 Election Committee Message

 

It is an honor to again serve as chair of Local 655’s Election Committee. I promise to work diligently to make the upcoming election of our union officers absolutely fair, transparent and honest. 

 The positions up for election for the 2024-2026 term are: President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and six Directors. Nominations and voting  are by mail. Candidates are nominated by written petition signed by the nominee and five additional members. A sample nomination petition can be found at: www.afm655.org/elections/petition.htm  

 The deadline for nomination petitions to be received by the Election Committee is September 21, 2023. Mail nomination petitions to: South Florida Musicians Association, Election Committee, P.O. Box 742126, Boynton Beach, FL 33474.

 Between October 6th  and October 21st, a blank ballot, a return envelope, and an inner envelope for the marked ballot will be mailed to each member. The deadline for ballots to be received by the Election Committee is 5:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 20, 2023.

 Members of Local 655 are encouraged to contact the Election Committee with any questions or concerns about our election process at:  ElectionInfo2023@afm655.org

 Fraternally Yours,

Scott Whitney, Chair

AFM Local 655 Election Committee

Frequently Asked Questions

 Who is eligible to run for office?

Any regular or life member in good standing continuously for at least one year before September 21, 2023. To avoid conflicts of interest, titled officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer) may not serve as contractor of musicians in the Local’s jurisdiction; no Local officer may serve as contractor of musicians in the musical theater field; and no member may serve as a representative of the Local while serving as personnel manager of musicians in the Local’s jurisdiction.

 Where can I find the duties of the Local’s officers?

In our bylaws under Article VII, Section 2.

 Are the officers paid for their services to the Local?

Yes. President: $5,200 per year. Vice-President & Directors: $600 per year, plus $20 travel reimbursement per board meeting attended in person. Secretary-Treasurer: $16,900 per year.

 How do I nominate a member for office?

By mailing a nomination petition signed by the nominee and five additional members to: South Florida Musicians Association, Election Committee, P.O. Box 742126, Boynton Beach, FL 33474. Multiple nomination petitions for a nominee are also acceptable.

 Can I send a nomination by fax, or email?

No. Nominations must be in writing and received by the Election Committee by September 21, 2023.

 Can a member run for more than one position?

No. A member may not accept nomination for more than one office at a time.

 How can I find out who has been nominated?

Nominations will be posted on the Local’s website as they are received.

 What if there is just one nominee for an office?

If there is only one nominee for an office, then that candidate is automatically elected and a ballot vote for that office is not necessary.

 Can candidates promote themselves in the Local’s newsletter?

Yes. Candidates have free space in the newsletter to promote their candidacy (up to 100 words). The deadline for newsletter submissions to be received by the Secretary-Treasurer is September 27, 2023.

 Who is eligible to vote?

Any member (except Inactive Life Members) in good standing for at least 60 days continuously before Election Day.

 Are suspended members eligible to vote?

No. Suspended members may receive a ballot, but it will not be counted unless the suspended member was reinstated at least 60 days before Election Day.

 Will my vote be secret?

Yes. Members will receive a printed ballot, a return envelope, and a secure inner envelope for the marked ballot. All of the secure inner envelopes will be removed from the return envelopes and mixed together before being opened. Unless you choose to reveal it yourself, no one will know how you voted.

 Are write-in candidates allowed?

No. Only members whose names are printed on the ballot are eligible for election.

 What’s the deadline for ballots?

Ballots must be received by the Election Committee no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023.

 When will the results of the election be available?

The Election Committee will meet within 5 days after Election Day to tally the ballots and report the results to the President. The results will then be posted on the Local’s website no later than November 25,  2023. Election results will also appear in the December newsletter.