Station Level Nomination & Elections Process

In accordance with bylaw 13.b14, the following process is to be followed for station-level nominations and elections. Station-level positions are defined as: ‘Station Shop Steward’ and ‘Station Safety Representative’. Both separate positions are held in a 2-year term.

Station-level nominations and elections are to be held in the station, NOT online.

Selecting a Returning Officer

To facilitate both the nomination and election process, a Returning Officer must be selected from within the station.

In accordance with bylaw 13.b6, the Returning Officer shall be: “member shall be in good standing with the Union and neither an officer nor candidate for the office. They shall treat information submitted to them in connection with their responsibilities as confidential.”

The station Shop Steward is tasked with appointing a Returning Officer from within the station, in compliance with guidelines detailed above. In the event that the Shop Steward position is vacant, or the Shop Steward is unable to make an appointment, contact your Regional Vice-President for assistance.

Once appointed, the station Returning Officer will create, distribute, receive and document the station nomination and election forms. The Returning Officer will do so in accordance with the timelines detailed in bylaw 13.b14.

Any stationary expenses incurred to administer the nomination and election process (envelopes, etc) are to be submitted via union expense form for reimbursement. 

Nominations Process

Nominations for both ‘Station Shop Steward’ and ‘Station Safety Representative’ shall commence biennially on January 15th, and remain open for a period of no less than three (3) weeks.

  1. In preparation for nominations, the Returning Officer downloads the station-level blank nomination form from the APBC.ca website forms page.
  2. Once downloaded, the form should be customized and printed for each of the station positions being nominated. Normally, that will be one form for ‘Station Shop Steward’ and one form for ‘Station Safety Representative’.
  3. Once printed, nomination forms are distributed at the station, along with notice of the nomination opening and closing dates. Instructions of whom/where to return the completed nomination form to must also be included (Station ballot box, Returning Officer mail slot, etc).
  4. At close of nominations, the Returning Officer reviews all nominations to ensure validity. Nominations must be fully completed, with acceptance signature, and submitted within the timelines.
  5. If more than one member receives a valid nomination for any one position, then the election process is triggered.
  6. If only one member receives a valid nomination for any one position, that member is elected by acclamation. The Returning Officer will immediately report such results to the Regional Recording Secretary and Regional Vice-Presidents.

Elections Process

Elections for both ‘Station Shop Steward’ and ‘Station Safety Representative’ shall commence biennially on February 1st, and remain open for a period of no less than three (3) weeks.

If more than one member receives a valid nomination for any one position, then the Returning Officer shall proceed with the following election process:

  1. The Returning Officer establishes an election returning box or location within the station. She/he will acquire sufficient envelopes to accommodate the election process detailed below (Any expenses incurred may be submitted to the union for reimbursement).
  2. The Returning Officer downloads the station-level election blank ballot from the APBC.ca website forms page.
  3. Once downloaded, the ballot should be customized and printed for each of the station positions being elected. Normally, that will be one ballot for ‘Station Shop Steward’ and one form for ‘Station Safety Representative’.
  4. Prepare the voting instructions document. The following ballot returning instructions MUST be distributed to all station members in the notice of election:
    1. Complete your ballot(s) by selecting one (1) candidate with an “X”
    2. Seal your ballot(s) in a smaller envelope marked “BALLOT”
    3. Seal your “BALLOT” envelope in a larger envelope, marked with the following:
      1. Your printed name
      2. Your signature
      3. Your station number
    4. Submit your double-sealed ballot to the station Returning Officer, per the instructions on the ballot.PLEASE NOTE: Any ballots received without clearly written identification, as outlined above, will be considered spoiled and void. Members are responsible for ensuring that the returning officer receives their ballots before the deadline. Any ballots received after the specified deadline will be considered spoiled and void. No Exceptions!
  5. Once printed, ballot forms are distributed at the station, along with notice of the election opening and closing dates.
  6. At close of election, the Returning Officer reviews all submitted ballots for validity. Ballots must be fully completed, in compliance with above listed requirements, and submitted within the timelines. Any ballot not deemed valid will be considered spoiled and void.
  7. The Returning Officer shall determine which ballot candidate has received the majority of votes cast for each electable position. That member will be declared the election winner and awarded the position.
  8. The Returning Officer will immediately report election results to the Regional Recording Secretary and Regional Vice-Presidents.
  9. The Returning Officer will retain and keep confidential all nomination forms and ballot materials for a period of no less than three (3) months.

Your help in making the station-level elections a secure and effective process is appreciated. If you have any additional questions, please contact your Regional Recording Secretary or Regional Vice-Presidents.