POLICY ON THE USE OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS IN LOCAL AND DISTRICT LODGE ELECTIONS
Policy on the use of absentee ballots in Local and District Lodge elections
The IAM Constitution, in Article II, Section 3, lists the reasons that members may be entitled to vote by absentee ballot and the specific procedures that must be followed when absentee ballots are requested.
Article XXII, Section 7, and Article B, Section 4, of the IAM Constitution, in turn, govern nominations and elections for local and district lodge office and provide for the use of absentee ballots in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 3. A member can choose to vote in person if they so desire, but will not be allowed to vote twice.
It is essential that these provisions, as well as applicable district lodge bylaws, be strictly adhered to in conducting lodge elections. In order to avoid the cost of a re-run election and/or court challenge, the provisions of the IAM Constitution and this bulletin must be followed.
A. Eligibility to Vote by Absentee Ballot:
1. Members residing in outlying areas more than 40 Km from the designated balloting place as determined by Google Maps.
2. Members who are either confined because of verified illness or on leave qualifying under Canadian family leave laws.
3. Members who are on vacation.
4. Members who are on official IAM business approved by the Local, District, or Grand Lodge.
5. Members who are on an employer travel assignment.
6. Members who are on reserve military leave.
B. Absentee Ballot Procedures:
1. Absentee ballot request forms listing the aforementioned qualifications, will be made available by the IAM.
2. A request for an absentee ballot must be filled out and delivered by the requester either in person or by Canada Post to: Secretary Treasurer – DL 140, 2580 Drew Rd., Mississauga, Ontario, L4T-3M5 – not later than Nov 20, 2012.
3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall verify the reason indicated by the member requesting an absentee ballot at the time the request is received. If member is eligible to vote by absentee ballot, a ballot shall be mailed to him/her.
In the event the Secretary-Treasurer determines that the member is not eligible to vote by absentee ballot, he shall advise the member that the request for an absentee ballot has been denied and the reason. All such denials shall be mailed within ten (10) days of the receipt of the request, so that the member has adequate notice of the need to vote in person.
4. When an eligible member receives an absentee ballot, that ballot must be executed in accordance with the terms of the IAM Constitution and mailed by Canada Post to the Secretary-Treasurer of District Lodge 140, see address above, so that it will be received by or prior to the closing of the polls, (December 20, 2012), as specified in the notice of election. The absentee ballots shall then be turned over to the election tellers.