For immediate release | March 30, 2012

ALA voter turnout up from last year

CHICAGO — Reports indicate that as of March 29, 10.23 percent of eligible members have voted in the ALA elections as compared to 8.62 percent at the same time in 2011. Voting in the ALA elections opened on March 19, and the polls will close at 11:59 p.m. Central time on Friday, April 27.

Voters were sent an email reminder between March 28 and March 30; additional reminders will be sent on April 9 and April 20 (the broadcast email process is completed over a 48 hour time frame). Voting may be completed in one sitting, or individuals may “park” their ballots and return at a later date; however, a ballot is not “cast” until the “submit” button is clicked. Anyone with a “parked” ballot will receive an email reminder to complete the voting process prior to April 27.

For the fourth year in a row, the American Library Association is holding its election exclusively online. To be eligible to vote, individuals must be members in good standing as of Jan. 31, 2012. Although the election is being conducted online, there remains one exception. Members with disabilities and without Internet access may obtain a paper ballot by contacting ALA customer service at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5. Those without Internet access at home or work can easily access the election site by visiting their local public (or in many instances academic or school) library. Members who have not yet received their voting credentials should contact ALA Member and Customer Services at membership@ala.org or (1-800-545-2433, ext. 5). They will investigate to determine the status of your notification.

Information about the ALA election and the candidates can be found in “Your Guide to the 2012 ALA Elections” at http://tinyurl.com/election2012guide. A pdf version of the guide can be found at http://tinyurl.com/electionguide2012pdf.

If you are among the 10.23 percent who have already voted – good for you! You are helping to shape the future of the Association. Now encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same!

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