Club Elections: Semiannual
If your club elects officers semiannually, it’s not too early to think about upcoming elections. Here’s a helpful timetable:
- Before September 30: Appoint a nominating committee (see Club Bylaws). The committee is to be run by the immediate past president or the most recent past president available.
- Last Meeting in October: The nominating committee reports to the club.
- First Meeting in November: Call for the nominating committee Report. (If the nominating committee does not have a report at the last meeting in October, postpone the election until one week after the meeting at which the report is given.)
- Call for nominations from the floor: Nominations begin with the last president and proceed in descending order. Remember, a quorum is 51 percent of active members.
- Announce the results.
All clubs must be on a July 1– June 30 annual term, or on July 1– December 31 and January 1–June 30 semiannual terms. (Please note: Clubs that meet weekly have the option of electing officers for either a semiannual term or an annual term. Clubs that meet less frequently must elect officers for annual terms.) Holding elections at any other time is in direct conflict with the Club Constitution. If your club elections are not in compliance with the timetable, now is the time to change and meet constitution standards.
Once the officers have been elected, access the Club Business section and add your club’s officers online! Remember to order club officer pins and plaques of appreciation for your officer installation ceremony. Check your Supply Catalog for a complete list of items and prices or place your order online at www.toastmasters.org/shop.
Club Elections: Annual
In May, all clubs must elect annual officers serving from July 1of the current year, through June 30 of the following year, or semiannual officers serving from July 1 of the current year, through December 31 of the current year. Semiannual terms are an option available only to clubs that meet weekly.
- Before March 31: Appoint a nominating committee (see Club Constitution and the Standard Bylaws for Clubs of Toastmasters International). The committee should be chaired by the immediate past president or most recent past president available.
- Last meeting in April: Nominating committee reports to the club.
- First meeting in May: The nominating committee report is presented to the club. If the nominating committee has no report at the last meeting in April, postpone the election until one week after the meeting at which the report is given. Call for nominations from the floor. Nominations and elections begin with the president and proceed in descending order.
Remember: A quorum (51 percent of active members) is needed to conduct business (including electing officers). Proxies or absentee ballots are not allowed at the club level. Members must be active and present to vote. Don’t forget to fill out a club and officer information form online at the Club Business section immediately following your election so the correct officers will receive every important mailing. Or your club may submit the club and officer information form by mail or fax, instead.
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