Vote in the 2012 ALA elections on your smartphone!

CHICAGO — Did you know that you can vote in the 2012 ALA elections on your smartphone and other mobile devices? You are no longer tied to your desktop to cast your vote; you can vote virtually anywhere – in line at the grocery store, on the bus, at the hairdresser! (But we do ask that you refrain from voting while driving!) Just log in using the URL and credentials that were sent to you between March 19 and March 21; it’s just that easy. So vote now and then continue on with your business! The polls will close on Friday, April 27 at 11:59 p.m. Central time.

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.

Voters will receive email reminders throughout the election period – on March 28, April 9, and April 20 (broadcast email process is completed over a 48 hour time frame). Voting may be completed in one sitting, or an individual may “park” their ballot 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.

Information about the ALA election and the candidates can be found in “Your Guide to the 2012 ALA Elections.” A PDF version of the guide is also available.

So where will you be when you cast your vote in the 2012 ALA elections?