Nominations clarification–30 days notice, not 21
My apologies to those who attended the last general meeting–I said that nominees could be added up to 21 days before the election, but the bylaws actually say 30 days (I confused it with notice of the annual meeting, which needs to be announced 21 days in advance.)
So, the nominations are effectively closed. Please note that the bylaws specifically say: “Provision shall be made for write-in candidacy.” In other words, candidates can be added until the time of the election.
Bill
Below are pasted the relevant sections of the bylaws pertaining to the election (see http://www.valleyfreeradio.org/about/policy-documents/by-laws/ ):
Nominations. The nominating committee shall consist of three to five members to be elected by the membership at the August general meeting, except as provided under this document. No officer shall be eligible to serve on the nominating committee. The nominating committee shall seek out in writing, which may include posting to the listserv, the membership’s recommendations of candidates. The nominating committee will also be responsible for conducting the election process.
The nominating committee shall make available a list of candidates at the general meeting held in September. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the September meeting, or by submitting a nomination directly to the nominating committee. Only members in good standing are eligible to nominate candidates. All nominations must be received by the nominating committee no later than 30 days prior to the election.
Election and Terms. Each member of the Board of Directors shall serve a two-year term, to begin immediately following election at the Annual Meeting in October 2005, except as provided under this document. Half of the membership of the Board shall be seated in even number years, and half shall be seated in odd number years. During the first year of implementing terms, half of the Board shall be elected to two year terms and half to one-year terms. The notice for the Annual Meeting shall be distributed no less than 21 days prior to the meeting, and a ballot shall list the candidates in alphabetical order.
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors will serve as the governing body for VFR and shall consist of no more than 9 members in addition to a representative from the Media Education Foundation. The MEF has a standing membership on the Board, with its seat designated by the director of the MEF. The MEF representative shall be a non-voting member. The Board may from time to time, accept ex-officio members who may participate in discussion but not vote…
Among other responsibilities, the Board:
is accountable to members, defines objectives, policies and goals within the constraints of Mission and guiding principles.
has a fiduciary responsibility to protect the projects/members assets.
ensures a meaningful linkage to the membership, provides vision and ensures a clear statement of mission
plans for the future by: determining the value and commitment of resources and assessing the consequences and limits of the project’s finances and vision
approves budget and financial policies
determines structure, responsibility, behavior and performance evaluation of the Board
is a resource for members and represents the project in the community
The Board may accept on behalf of the station any contribution, gift, behest or device.
The Board is empowered to designate paid staff positions, determine salaries, hire, and if necessary, terminate those filling said positions.
Officers: Officers shall consist of two Co-Chairs, Clerk and Treasurer. Election of officers shall take place at the first meeting of the new board or as soon as time permits.
Eligibility: A member of the Board must be at least 16 years of age and must agree to abide by the defining structures of the station and of the Media Education Foundation, as well as any applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations and an agreed upon Board Contract. No director shall be retired arbitrarily because of age.
Voting. Only members in good standing may vote in the elections. Voting shall be by written ballot. Provision shall be made for write-in candidacy. Each member will be allotted as many votes as there are seats open. In the event of a tie needing resolution by vote, the membership shall immediately hold a separate vote to determine the candidate to be elected. Ballots shall be counted immediately following the election and in the presence of the members. Board members will be elected by plurality, provided they receive a minimum of 5 votes.
Absentee Voting: A member in good standing may submit an absentee ballot to the Clerk or appropriate designee of the Board up to the time of a last call for ballots at a General Meeting. Absentee ballots must be sealed in an envelope and must have the name and signature of the member on the outside of the envelope.
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