Election Guidelines: Know the Rules
Based on guidelines approved as amended by the Board of Trustees in December 2020.
A. Overview
The intent of the guidelines is to encourage fair and open campaigning by APA members on a level playing field by (1) specifying permitted and prohibited election related activities, (2) fostering opportunities for candidates to educate their colleagues about the issues, (3) informing voters about candidate experiences and views, (4) keeping costs down, and (5) maintaining dignified and courteous conduct appropriate to the image of a profession.
All APA members are expected to abide by the APA election guidelines in APA elections, including in their capacity as officers and members of other organizations. APA requests that other organizations adhere to the intent of the campaign guidelines and provide fair and equitable coverage of opposing candidates.
The Elections Committee investigates any potential violation by a candidate or supporter of which it becomes aware and reports violations to the Board of Trustees. The procedures used by the Elections Committee to investigate and report campaign violations are in Chapter 2 of the Operations Manual.
B. Campaigning
Campaigning is defined as any attempt to influence a potential voter’s vote. Campaigning includes mentioning one’s candidacy or making any statement that might be interpreted as a position statement reflecting what actions the candidate would take if elected. It does not include appearances made as part of one’s normal work activities. Permitted campaign activities are specified in this document. All other activities are prohibited.
Approved APA-organized campaign activities may include the following:
“Meet-the-Candidates” live town hall/webinar
Special APA Election Edition, published during campaign period
Psychiatric News December election issue
1. Resources
Use of APA, Area Council/State Association, or District Branch resources or personnel is generally prohibited, except for any Election Committee–approved communication of candidate statements to members.
APA, Area Council/State Association, or District Branch funds, services, stationery, or staff may not be used to endorse, support, or promote any candidate.
Permitted APA resources are the APA election website and platform used for campaigning on live Town Hall/Webinar and election publications. All other resources are prohibited.
2. Campaign Communications
Permitted forms of campaigning include the following; all others are prohibited.
APA Website
APA will include information on all candidates (photos, biographies, and statements provided for the ballot booklet) and on the election itself (campaign guidelines, ballot mailing and return dates, etc.) on its website. This election information can be accessed through the election logo and linked to other information as appropriate.
Private Discussion
Private election-related communication with individual colleagues is permitted.
District Branch/State Association Campaigning: Newsletters
District Branch or State Association newsletters may announce as news items, without endorsement, two types of announcements:
A news item that requires equal representation of all candidates for an APA office, and/or
A limited 150-words per candidate news item describing the candidacy for an APA office of local member(s) affiliated with that District Branch or State Association.
Editorial endorsement of candidates is prohibited, as are letters to the Editor in support of (or opposition to) candidates. Newsletters may print other statements or materials by or about a candidate only if they give equal opportunity to opposing candidates. Newsletters may not be distributed beyond the usual newsletter distribution.
Introduction at Professional Presentations
A candidate’s candidacy may be mentioned when the candidate is introduced for the purpose of giving a professional presentation, provided that the candidate is not endorsed. Candidates are to inform the hosts/speakers of the events that an endorsement or any statement of an endorsement is not permitted.
There are no restrictions on professional presentations, defined as events where no campaigning occurs and a candidate participates in the dissemination of information through any medium. Running for office should not inhibit or prohibit candidates from conducting their usual professional business.
Endorsement
Endorsement by organizations is prohibited. Candidates may submit a list of individual endorsements to be included on the candidates’ APA Election Website.
Supporters may not campaign on behalf of the candidates.
Candidates may not coordinate campaign activities. Campaign committees (entities that can make statements or take other actions on behalf of the candidate) are not allowed.
Candidates are responsible for calling attention to the guidelines or sending a copy of the guidelines located on the APA Election website to any members whom they ask for endorsement.
Members of the Board of Trustees, Nominating, Elections, and Tellers committees are not permitted to endorse or support a candidacy.
Use of Candidate Position Titles
The use of candidate position titles, for example, candidate for APA president-elect, through electronic or written communication is prohibited.
C. ADDITIONAL ELECTION ACTIVITY
Election-related activity that is not permitted under the APA election guidelines includes (but is not limited to) letters, calls, email communications, texts, instant messages, and other communications to multiple recipients not originated by APA (except as approved by the Elections Committee), advertisements in print or other media, election websites, distribution of “campaign” items, or swag, and publication of position papers except through APA. A candidate is not permitted to use (or direct someone else to use) the APA Member Directory to generate mass communications in any medium.
It is a violation of the APA election guidelines for candidates to participate in webcasts or panel discussions, issue press releases, respond to surveys, or allow publication of interviews relating to the election unless approved in advance by the Elections Committee.
It is also impermissible for a nominee to engage in a debate over social media channels about the election, the candidate’s qualifications, or particular issues relating to the election.
Any request of additional election activity, for example, surveys, questionnaires, debate, interview requests, etc., requires advance approval by the Elections Committee.
D. ENFORCEMENT OF GUIDELINES
If a candidate engages in election activity inconsistent with the APA election guidelines, the committee will take appropriate action to address the violation with the candidate, including (but not limited to) addressing the violation with the candidate, requiring the candidate to withdraw with Board approval, or any other appropriate action(s) as determined by the Elections Committee.
The Elections Committee is charged with enforcing the APA election guidelines as set forth in conjunction with the Board of Trustees. This document outlines the principles that will guide enforcement of the guidelines.
In considering appropriate enforcement of the guidelines, the Elections Committee will be guided by the following goals:
To sustain the high professional reputation of the APA
To maintain the integrity and goals of the guidelines
To be fair to all candidates
To not reward candidates who violate the guidelines.
To ensure enforcement of action is appropriate to the violation
E. ELECTION PRINCIPLES
The EQUITY OF ACCESS AND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLE
The electorate and the candidates should have access to each other as set forth and approved by the Elections Committee. The committee and APA should utilize the most economic means of conducting the election campaign in terms of time and money.
The FAIRNESS PRINCIPLE (ensuring equity)
Every qualified member should have equal opportunity to run for leadership positions in the APA. (This addresses the problem of the power and privilege of incumbents, which pose handicaps to challengers or outsiders. Equal opportunity addresses the issue of finances and expense problems.)
The COLLEGIALITY PRINCIPLE
An atmosphere of collegiality should be promoted among candidates and among members, fostering the fellowship spirit, a more open communication and exercise of professionalism that would ensure focus on issues and fair play. Candidates who do not adhere to this principle, as determined by the Elections Committee, may be referred to the Board for removal from candidacy or their votes nullified.
The MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT PRINCIPLE
The election process should arouse members’ interest in and knowledge of APA affairs and foster optimum ballot returns. Well-informed members will likely be involved voters. ■
