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Run for office | Participate as a voting SPJ member

Delegates at the 2011 national convention approved a bylaws change that transforms the way SPJ elects members of its national board. In the past, candidates were selected by chapter delegates. Now, elections are inclusive of all members — one member, one vote.

Below, find everything you need to know to participate in this process — both as a voting SPJ member and a candidate for office.

The information provided on these pages focuses on the election of officers. The Society’s processes for bylaws amendments and resolutions have not changed. The chapter delegate voting system is still in place for such actions.

For candidates and prospective candidates

Board members help define the Society. As an organization that values diversity, SPJ is looking for candidates who represent and encompass differing backgrounds based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, geography, media discipline and professional status. SPJ is branded as the nation’s most broad-based journalism association, which is a statement to the professional and personal attributes of our membership.

— Additional information
— Special Qualifications
— Campaign Guidelines
— How to run

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How to participate as a voting SPJ member

In the past, chapter delegates elected officers and board members. Now all members can cast their own vote via an online voting system.

How you’ll hear from them

Because each member, near and far, has the ability to vote for officers, candidates have a few ways to spread their message:

— SPJ Headquarters will send an email introducing all your candidates and directing you to their online information (if applicable).
— Candidates may have blogs or social media accounts where members can connect with them.
— During EIJ13, members can view candidate speeches online.

You'll find most of this information in the Meet the Candidates section, which will be available shortly.

How you’ll hear from us

Because the system requires electronic voting, we need to make sure we can reach every member via email. Make sure your email address is current by logging on or by contacting Tara Puckey, Chapter Coordinator.

Then what?

Over the next few months, you'll be able to learn about the candidates through the Meet the Candidates section (coming soon), which will contain bios, video speeches and links to blogs or social media accounts where you can connect with them further.

Voting will take place electronically during the Excellence in Journalism 2013 conference, Aug. 24-26. Additional instructions will arrive via email, so make sure that information is up to date!

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Questions?

Call the Election Hotline, 317-721-8009, or send us an e-mail.