GUIDE TO ONLINE VOTING #2

Member organizations rely on an active and motivated base to stay energetic and relevant. One key way that members stay engaged is by articulating their opinions through the power of the ballot. Whether it’s a board election or a referendum on a new policy, voting gives members an unmatched opportunity to shape the organizations to which they belong. Well-run, transparent elections are the stamp of ethical member organizations. Open voting reinforces transparency and integrity in organizations’ authority processes.

Open, accessible, and efficiently promoted voting also helps encourage member participation. A high participation rate in elections generally indicates a vigorous organization and enhances the perceived validity of voting results.

If you are employed by a member organization, chances are you will face an election or other voting event at some time, and you may wonder about the best way to organize it.

Over the past decade, Internet and online application use has exploded. Everyday actions such as shopping, banking, and communicating are increasingly being done online.

Currently, the number of Internet users in the United States will reach 240 million, representing 70 percent of the country’s population. Based on this data, it is very likely that a majority of your members regularly use the Internet and online applications.