[Bylaws-l] Fwd: RC Representation

[Reed Bates, R3 RC]

Reed Bates, Fleet Captain
Regional Coordinator for Region Three
rc at region3.org
Join us for all our Region 3 Events:
http://region3.org


> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: *Ronald Bishop* <vcs-policy at sfi.org <mailto:vcs-policy at sfi.org>>
> Date: Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 5:50 PM

> One thing I'd like to see considered is a more inclusive process of electing
> the RC.  Right now, and as proposed in the Bylaws committee, only chapter
> COs can vote, which disenfranchises every other member of the region.  Sure,
> the CO is theoretically supposed to vote the will of the chapter, but that
> doesn't necessarily happen.  Also, the members who do not belong to a
> chapter have no say at all, even though the RC is their *direct*
> representative.

As a member who for a year was not on a chapter, but very active in the
Region, I felt that frustration, in that I didn't have a say in what our
RC did or in the election.  I'd rather see the vote be done by member,
but if we continue to do it via chapter, then those not on a chapter,
should have one vote if they so wish.  The IG or whoever is collection
votes, could poll the unassigned members who wish to vote and then the
majority becomes the "Unassigneds in the Region's Vote."
> 
> I realize this would increase the costs to STARFLEET, but, in my opinion,
> the extra cost is worth it.
> 
When we discuss election, after the bylaws come back from the attorneys,
we definitely should look
into electronic voting.  We should even start now collection data on who
wants electronic.  We just add some questions to the membership
application and renewal.  i.e. If allowed: 1) would you like to vote
electronically?  2) would you prefer paper ballot? 3) would you like
your CQ in electronic form only? 4) would you prefer your CQ mailed to
you on paper?  We don't have to do anything about these questions right
now, but since it would take a year to go through a whole cycle of
renewals, we could start immediately to just get some numbers going.

The NC legislature revised the electronic meetings and voting
requirements in NC (and many other states have been doing the same) so
we should look to that as well for any guidelines or requirements.

As to cost, I know that in the past if there was one candidate, a vote
of confidence would still be held.  If we go with via membership, then
maybe if there is only one candidate, then they are just appointed with
no official election.