Your guide to the 2016 ALA elections

CHICAGO - As the American Library Association (ALA) gears up for its 2016 elections, an electronic election guide is once again available to help inform members about the candidates and the election process. “Your Guide to the 2016 ALA Elections” contains general information about the ALA presidency, recent ALA presidential initiatives, and biographical information about the three presidential candidates. This year members are also asked to elect a new ALA treasurer so background about the candidate can be found in the guide. Information about the ALA Council, recent Council actions, and links to information about this year’s 75 Council candidates is also provided.

The guide is available as a flipbook or in PDF format. This, as well as other information about ALA elections can be found on the Election Page on the ALA website. A special “pod” and feature slide on the ALA homepage will also take you directly to election information.

For the eighth 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 January 31, 2016.

Polls will open at 9 a.m. CDT on March 15, 2016. Between March 15 and March 17, the ALA will notify voters by e-mail, providing them with their unique ballot URL and information about how to vote online. To ensure receipt of your ballot, members should watch for emails from: ALA Election Coordinator, noreply@directvote.net. Subject line will be “ALA 2016 election login information below.”

The polls will close on Friday, April 22 at 11:59 p.m. CDT, and the Election Committee will meet on Friday, April 29 at the ALA offices to certify the election. Election results will be released following that meeting.

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. The last day to request a paper ballot is April 9.

Become an educated voter and check out “Your Guide to the 2016 ALA Elections” and then cast your vote when the polls open!