“One Member, One Vote” proposal goes to vote

By Kristin Longley
Michigan State University
Every SPJ member will have a voice if delegates approve an amendment to the bylaws today.
The “One Member, One Vote” proposal would allow members to vote for National Board members online or by telephone, as opposed to the current method, in which only delegates vote during the national convention.
Voting on the amendment will be at the closing business session at 3:45 p.m. in Columbus K, Gold Level, East Tower.
If the amendment passes, SPJ staff members expect to have the system in place by this time next year, said President David Carlson. The computer software necessary to implement member voting via Internet and phone would cost about $4,000.
An informational sheet about the amendment provided by SPJ says online voting would commence shortly after the close of nominations at the convention’s opening business meeting. Voting would then close at a pre-determined time prior to the closing business session, where results would be announced.
Regional directors would continue to be elected by delegates at the convention.