Dear Fellow ODV Members:
I have no problem with Dir. Stratton's proposed motions, but the one regarding ballot counting and observation begs a larger question – should ARRL be exploring electronic voting as an alternative? Most contested division and sections elections see a range of 25%-30% of membership casting ballots. Excuses I have heard for not voting include misplacement of the ballot, forgetting the deadline, and even not wanting to place a stamp on the envelope. Considering that 21% of all current U.S. licensed Hams belong to ARRL, then 30% of them vote in ARRL elections, that means somewhere between 5% and 10% of all licensed U.S. Hams vote for leaders who help shape policy for the remaining 90% who don't participate.
In my industry as a financial planner, virtually all equities, mutual funds and ETFs have moved to electronic voting for proxies and board of director elections. I believe the time has come to explore electronic voting for ARRL. Enough safeguards can be put in place that a member votes only once, that our CPA firm can attest to the integrity of the voting process, and our candidates and members will become more engaged in elections. I hope one of the directors will consider making a motion to form a group to explore this 21st century option.
73 de Bill Morine, N2COP
Vice Director – Roanoke Division
Representing ARRL members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia
Facebook Page: ARRL Roanoke Division
ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of John Robert Stratton
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2019 8:30 PM
To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>
Subject: [arrl-odv:29117] Two Motions
Ladies, Gentlemen and ARRL Secretary
Enclosed are two motions that I wish to have considered by the Board at the January meeting. The changes appear as underlines.
_______________________________________
John Robert Stratton
N5AUS
Director
West Gulf Division
Office: 512-445-6262
Cell: 512-426-2028
P.O. Box 2232
Austin, Texas 78768-2232
_______________________________________