Voice for Democracy

Newsletter of Californians for Electoral Reform

Winter 2006

Save the Date: AGM and Board Election May 20

CfER’s many activities are overseen by a nine-member Board of Directors, whom we will elect at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 20.  While I expect that many of the current directors will run for reelection, turn­over and new blood are always healthy. Also, we elect our Board using proportional representation (we practice what we preach!) and PR only works if the election is contested.

The Board meets in person every three months (in May, August, November and February), and by conference call in the in-between months. Meetings and conference calls are generally the fourth Saturday of the month,, with slight adjustments when that conflicts with a holiday weekend. CfER covers reasonable travel and phone expenses.  For southern California board members who travel to an in-person meeting, CfER will reimburse up to $200, subject to an overall annual cap.

We are an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, so Board members are strongly encouraged to get involved in an area of interest, such as membership development, outreach, communication, chapter coordination, finance, lobbying, or education.  A list of the current officer “portfolios” is here.

Candidates may be self-nominated.  To nominate yourself, send your name and a statement of up to 250 words to CfER Elections, c/o Steve Willett, 6422 Irwin Court, Oakland, CA  94609.  You may also send your name and statement via email to .  The only qualification is that you must be a paid-up member of CfER in order to run.  You may also nominate other members in the same fashion, as long as they have agreed.

Here are the key dates.

Saturday, March 25.--The official call for nominations went out to all members with valid email addresses on file.  If we don’t have an email address for you, this newsletter is the official call.

Saturday, April 8.--Nominations must be received by Steve Willett.  If you use postal mail instead of email, you should mail your nomination by Saturday, April 1 to guarantee timely delivery. 

Saturday, April 15.--Candidate statements must be received in order to guarantee appearance in the ballots that will be mailed to all members prior to the AGM.  If you use US mail, we recommend you mail your statement by Saturday, April 8 to guarantee timely delivery.

Saturday, April 22.--Ballots and candidate statements will be mailed to all paid-up members.  This mailing also announces the location and keynote speaker for the AGM.  Members in arrears will be sent a special mailing, giving them the opportunity to pay their dues so they can participate in the election.

Friday, May 19.--Mail ballots must be received by the teller, Steve Willett.  If you are not going to attend the AGM, mail your ballot by Saturday, May 13 to insure timely delivery.

Saturday, May 20.--AGM and board election.  Ballots may be cast in person at the meeting.

Consider running for the Board.  It's fun, and you get to help set the direction of the electoral reform movement!  Members from Southern California and newly active members are especially encouraged to run.

Steve Chessin, President