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– Meet the candidates
– 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 (link coming soon) 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.

In order to appear on the ballot, candidates must declare at least six weeks before voting opens on the first day of SPJ's annual convention. Candidates should declare by September 15 to ensure their candidacy will be featured on SPJ's Election Central website.

— 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.
— Members can view candidate speeches online.
— Candidates will deliver speeches on SPJ's annual convention, this year October 27-30, 2022. You'll find most of this information in the Meet the Candidates section.

When is voting open? When does it close?

Voting will open at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on October 27, 2022 and closes at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on October 29, 2022.

How will I receive my ballot?

All SPJ members eligible to vote will receive their ballot electronically through simplyvoting.com. An email with instructions and log-in information will be sent to all individuals who have valid email addresses on file. Note: if you have not seen an email from SPJ in a while, such as our weekly Leads newsletter, you should ensure your email address is correct.

What do I do if I didn’t receive a ballot?

Email elections@spj.org with your name, email address and member number. Also, please check your spam folders and look for an email from simplyvoting.com about SPJ board and regional coordinator elections.

Who is eligible to vote?

All members of the Society in good standing seven days prior to the date and time balloting begins are eligible to vote.

Will I cast a ballot for other regions besides my own?

All members will vote for the board officers and the at-large board positions. Members will only be able to cast a ballot for the Regional Coordinator in their own region.

Can I change my vote after it is cast and before voting officially closes?

Votes cannot be changed once they are cast and before voting officially closes. Once your selections have been made and finalized, they cannot be modified.

When will the results be announced?

Election results will be announced during the SPJ 2022 closing ceremony.

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Questions?

Send us an email.