2019 AMSAT Board of Directors Election Update

The 2019 AMSAT Board of Directors election will be conducted differently than in past elections. In previous years, the balloting process was handled by multiple vendors. This year, AMSAT has contracted with a single, independent party, ElectionBuddy, to conduct and fully manage the election process.

A ballot card will be mailed to all current members in accordance with the organization’s by-laws by or on July 15, 2019. You may cast your ballot by visiting a unique URL or utilizing the QR code printed on the card.  If you do not receive your ballot, you will need to contact ElectionBuddy.  ElectionBuddy will be responsible for distributing ballots, collecting ballots, and tallying votes.

Individual candidates’ statement of qualification (biographies) will be published on AMSAT’s website and will be displayed on the ElectionBuddy  website available to eligible voters.

AMSAT believes this voting system will result in greater election integrity as it removes the potential for any perceived conflicts of interest.  ElectionBuddy will manage AMSAT’s voter list and interaction with members regarding the election. This ensures voter anonymity. Individual ballot responses will never be shared with any volunteer or paid AMSAT staff.

Because AMSAT has contracted ElectionBuddy for a fully managed election, they will be voters’ single point of contact regarding any ballot issues. The AMSAT Secretary or Office Manager may direct you to contact ElectionBuddy in situations deemed part of this fully managed election. Questions will not be answered on the AMSAT-BB or organizational Social Media accounts.

In the event that you are unwilling or unable to cast your ballot via the online mechanism, ElectionBuddy will mail you a specific ballot that must be returned to them within the parameters of our election timeframe so that it is received by the office no later than September 15, 2019. If you choose this option, please understand it is at an increased cost to the organization.

Sincerely,

Clayton L. Coleman, W5PFG
AMSAT Secretary