WHEREAS:

Title IV of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) is the controlling statute on labor union officer elections; and

WHEREAS:

Some interpretations of the LMRDA appear to restrict union officer elections to the use of paper ballots via in-person or mail balloting rather than allowing for electronic voting as a replacement or supplemental procedure; and

WHEREAS:

This restriction was implemented nearly seven decades ago to ensure the validity of the secret ballot before the development of secure electronic voting systems; and

WHEREAS:

In light of this concern and as a component of currently available technologies, it is recommended that future electronic voting elections use voter-verified paper records (VVPRs) with a predetermined review process to audit the reported election outcome; and

WHEREAS:

The Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS) has now issued a “Compliance Tip,” with guidelines for implementing remote electronic voting systems in union officer elections while still maintaining compliance with the LMRDA; and

WHEREAS:

Electronic voting could lead to increased member participation in union officer elections, particularly for union chapters encompassing widely dispersed populations and remote areas; and

WHEREAS:

Electronic voting could provide greater reliability, efficiency, accessibility and cost savings as compared to reliance only on paper balloting, particularly in communities that are off-road or that do not have regular or reliable postal service.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME shall continue its lobbying and direct engagement efforts to enact regulatory changes necessary to enable electronic voting for the election of officers by AFSCME affiliates. Once such changes are secured, the International Executive Board shall consider necessary amendments to the International Constitution and shall recommend, where appropriate, amendments to the following AFSCME International convention.

SUBMITTED BY:

Dawn Bundick, President and Delegate
Courtney Wendel, Secretary and Delegate
ASEA/AFSCME Local 52
Alaska