How to Vote in a Union Election

When it comes to receiving fair labor representation, there are few things more important than remaining active in your local union. When it comes your turn to vote in an officially sanctioned union election you have to approach the event with the seriousness and preparation it deserves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Attend all pre-election debates among the different parties up for election. Vote wisely in a union election and know not only the issues but the people espousing them.

2. Read all available literature the union provides regarding the information. Often, the issues at stake are too complicated to summed up in soundbytes and require some time to mull over before you vote in the union election.

3. Discuss the issues with other members of the union you trust and whose opinion you respect. Talking through questions and opinions is a good way to hash out what you think best for your vote in the union election.

4. Show up early on election day so that you can work through the polls and not have to deal with all the unnecessary hoopla surrounding a vote in a union election.

5. Expect a lot of debates and pseudo arguments to take place when the election results come in. Union elections can be very heated and emotional and a few of the more excited members of the chapter might get a touch out of hand.

6. Remain dedicated to participating in the voting process according to your own beliefs and opinions. Your vote matters and should not be sold out for cheap loyalty or someone else's politics.

Resources

• Americanrightatwork.org documents legal cases on union rights.
• Aclu.org is the official site for the American Civil Liberties Union.
• Aflcio.org is the website for the largest union organization in North America.

[jeffreyd]

on 5/22/2008 Companies such as Election Source can also help union officials with the difficult task of running their elections. www.electionsource.com can provide training, security, equipment and personnel for a turn key soultion.