Here Are The 2017 Executive Board Election Rules

Submit your Declaration of Candidacy form by May 20

High School Democrats of America (HSDA) Development Director Anthony Luongo has unveiled revised Executive Board election rules for the 2017–2018 term.

All individuals interested in running for the five available national board positions (chair, vice chair, communications director, programs director, development director) must fill out a Declaration of Candidacy form by the May 20 filing deadline in order for their names to appear on the ballot. Candidates wishing to officially withdraw their names have until May 23 to do so. HSDA bylaws prohibit write-in candidates or candidates running from the floor from being considered.

The revised rules, published here (and below), are consistent with previous election guidelines and HSDA bylaws. This year, candidates may not announce their candidacies or begin campaigning publicly until May 1. Candidates are also prohibited from seeking endorsements from current HSDA National Staff and Executive Board members, and may not promise, discuss, or campaign on possible National Staff appointments before they are elected to the Executive Board.

Members who are attending HSDA’s 2017 Strategic Summit on June 25–29, 2017 will have the opportunity to cast their votes in-person at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where results will be tallied, finalized and announced. However, all HSDA members will be able to vote by mail before Summit begins; instructions for this process will be released after the May 20 filing deadline.

An election packet with candidate biographies, platforms, and a complete listing of election rules will also be released prior to the election.

The 2017–18 Rules

All Executive Board candidates who have submitted a Declaration of Candidacy form for the 2017–2018 term have agreed to abide by HSDA’s bylaws (you can read them here: bit.ly/2pO9XBU) and these important guidelines:

Candidacies

Only individuals who have properly filed the Declaration of Candidacy form will have their bios and platforms included in HSDA’s election packet, and their name on the ballot. HSDA’s bylaws prohibit write-in candidates or candidates running from the floor from being considered.

Campaigning

Candidates may not announce their candidacies or begin campaigning publicly until May 1, 2017. Candidates are encouraged to provide the Development Director with links to all social media sites and handles used in the campaign.

Slates

Candidates may run together as a slate if they mutually desire to do so; however, candidates for Development Director may not run on any slate.

Spending

Candidates may spend no more than $60 over the course of their campaign.

Behavior

Candidates must respect all other candidates and behave in a manner appropriate for a member of the Executive Board. Malicious behavior, slander/libel against another member’s campaign, and willful dissemination of false/misleading information are prohibited.

Appointments

Candidates are strictly prohibited from promising, discussing or campaigning on possible National Staff appointments before they are elected to the Executive Board.

Endorsements

Candidates are allowed to receive endorsements from state chairs, members of HSDA, and other officials; please note that current National Board and National Staff members are prohibited from making public endorsements in these elections.

Summit

Candidates attending HSDA’s annual strategic summit in Washington, D.C. on June 25–29, 2017, may give a presentation for no more than five minutes before HSDA members at the George Washington University.

Recordings

Candidates unable to attend HSDA’s annual strategic summit must have an audio or video recording sent to the Development Director at least a week prior to Election Day. If no recording is submitted, a candidate’s platform and bio will be read to the present members.

The Development Director reserves the right to impose penalties, including revoking a candidacy, if a candidate is found to have violated HSDA bylaws and/or the guidelines outlined above. Questions may be directed to Development Director Anthony Luongo at aluongo@hsdems.org.

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