As a nonprofit organization, KFAI’s membership is entitled to vote on certain matters, including the composition of the Board of Directors. What do you need to know about that?
What are KFAI Elections?
Every year, usually around November, the KFAI Board of Directors will ask the membership to vote on how to fill some seats on the Board. Occasionally the Board will put other questions up for vote as well. These will be things like amendments to the corporation Bylaws. There will be lots of notices when that is the case.
The Board of Directors has 13 seats and members of the Board serve two year terms. Each year the membership votes for four people to begin a fresh two year term, so in total eight of the seats are elected. The Board appoints the other five. Seats may be vacant (some usually are) so there may be less than 13 Board members at any given time. There are no term limits, so one person will often wind up serving more than two years if they are reelected or reappointed.
When you vote for Board members, you will get a ballot where you can vote for up to four of the nominated candidates. The Board will vote at the last meeting of the year to confirm the appointments of the vote winners, and they will begin their new terms at the first meeting of the new year.
Who can vote? KFAI Membership!
Where KFAI elections are concerned, you are considered a member of the organization if you either volunteer with us or donate money. This is distinct from the “membership” we talk about during pledge drives, by the way. The Board sets and updates the minimum amount of each that qualifies.
Currently (as of the 2024 election) you are considered a member eligible to vote if, in the 12 months prior to the start of the election process, you have donated $60 or more, or you have volunteered at least 4 hours. Staff will tally up these amounts using the program schedule and sign up forms, so make sure the staff knows about your volunteering! If you are eligible to vote, you will be contacted and given access to your ballot at the start of the election period.
Who can run? How do people get on the ballot?
Anyone with an interest in the health and good administration of KFAI should consider running! You have to be at least 18 and a member (as defined above) of the organization. We accept nominations year-round except during the election period. The nomination form is now LIVE through October!
When does this happen? How will it work?
At the start of the election period, we will tally up volunteering and donation amounts and determine who is eligible to vote. We will also make a ballot of all the qualified candidates who have been nominated during the year. If you are eligible to vote, you will be contacted using your email address on file or other means if necessary, so make sure staff has your current contact information.
For the 2024 election, choosing Board members who will start serving in January 2025, the Board has set this schedule:
- 30 October (Wed.) – nominations close so we can prepare the ballot
- 4 November (Tues.) – notice sent to eligible members with their ballots
- 4 December (Wed.) – last day to submit ballots
- 9 December (Mon.) – annual member meeting, election results announced
