Frequently Asked Questions about Elections

When you send out the slate either electronically or via a newsletter or memo to the parents (however you normally contact your members), make sure to let your members know that at this election meeting, other members may be nominated from the floor.  Take this time to remind them to bring their PTA cards.  We suggest that you also ask for the courtesy of being informed should someone consider running from the floor so that you can prepare ballots for election.  Make sure this communication goes out at least 30 days prior to the election meeting.  

When the individual is nominated from the floor, that individual must be there to accept the nomination or provide something that proves their acceptance to serve if elected.  They must be a PTA member (all nominees must be PTA members to be nominated).  This is another reason to have your membership roster at the meeting.

You will distribute ballots to all PTA members.  At that point you will instruct them how to fill out their ballots.  For example, Instruct them to write down the contested office:

President:

___________________ (write in the name of person brought forward by the nominating committee)

___________________ (instruct them to write in person nominated from floor)

You may also have preprinted ballots available with the names of the persons brought forward by the nomination committee and an additional black for a candidate running from the floor.

Have them notate who they are voting for by circling their choice’s name or putting a box to check next to the person for whom they are voting.  Have at least two people not involved with the election collect the ballots and count them.  You may proceed with the program/meeting and state that the winner will be announced after the program.

The individuals counting the ballots cannot consider any improperly filled in ballots and will state that they were “invalid”.  They should report the total number of ballots, the number for each individual and the number of “invalid” ballots.  A majority of votes wins the election.  After the announcement have someone move that the ballots be destroyed.  If that motion is made and seconded and passes, the ballots will be destroyed and the election may not be contested after that point.

Make sure the election is on your meeting agenda just like your meeting minutes approval and the treasurer’s report presentation.  Let’s assume you are not having a contested election (there is only one person running for each office).  If that is the case you will use this script.

First, ask the chair of the nominating committee to come forward and read the slate of officers.  After the slate is read the president (or whomever is chairing the meeting), will state for each office the following:

“__________________(insert name of person nominated) has been nominated for the office of President.  Are there other nominations from the floor for the office of President?”  Wait a few seconds, then state, “Hearing none, I declare the nominations for the office of President closed.”

Proceed through each elected office in this same way.   

After all the nominations are closed and you have only one person per office, state:

“Our bylaws state that if there is but one nominee per office, we may do a voice vote.  I want to remind you that only PTA members may vote in elections.”

“All those in favor of ______________ for President please state “aye”; all opposed please state “nay”.   ____________has been elected as your new President.”  Continue with each office in the same way.  

PTA leadership should always be prepared for this possibility.  Make sure you have preprinted ballots and your membership roster to check off who may receive a ballot.  Remember only PTA members are entitled to vote in the business of the PTA.

If you suspect that this will happen, contact your Council PTA president (if you belong to a Council) or your District Director.  They can assist you in running your meeting and can serve as impartial facilitators.  This is another benefit that PTA offers.