American Library Association 2024 Election Opens

CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) election polls opened on Monday, March 11, 2024.  ALA members are encouraged to cast a digital ballot to vote for association-wide leadership that will shape the future and direction of the association. ALA’s annual election will close on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.  

“It's time to vote! In a year focused on the U.S. presidential election we are reminded that every vote counts.  The same is true for the American Library Association. The future of ALA relies on the stewardship of member leaders who are committed to our values and work and those who are willing to move the Association forward during this time of unprecedented challenges,” said ALA Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger. “As we approach ALA’s 150th Anniversary, we should celebrate all we’ve accomplished but also look ahead to all that remains to be done to ensure the future of libraries.  Your vote in matters – please take the time to select our next president and councilors-at-large.” 

ALA’s 2025-26 presidential election includes Sam Helmick, Community & Access Services Coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, and Raymond Pun, Academic and Research Librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education in California.  Both candidates participated in the ALA Presidential and Candidates’ Forum that took place virtually.  Voters also will select 12 ALA Councilors-at-Large from a pool of 26 candidates.  Biographical information about the Councilor-at-Large candidates is available on the ALA election website. 

ALA elections take place exclusively online to reduce the association’s carbon footprint and to enhance efficiency. Those without Internet access at home or work can access the election site by visiting their local library. ALA members will be notified by e-mail from “ALA Governance Office” at help@yeselections.com, providing them with information about how to vote online or members are able to visit the ALA election website to access their ballot by clicking the “Vote Now” button. 

ALA Election Committee will meet virtually on Monday, April 8, 2024 to certify election results.  Election results will be posted to the ALA Election website later that day. 

For more information on the election, call (866) 384-9978 or email Help+ALA@yeselections.com. 

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.