For immediate release | March 5, 2020
American Library Association gears up for 2020 ALA election
CHICAGO – American Library Association (ALA) is gearing up for its upcoming election. Polls will open at 9 a.m. Central Time on Monday, March 9, 2020. 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 1, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
“The American Library Association of tomorrow relies on the stewardship of its members today,” said ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. “A huge part of that work involves selecting peer leaders who have the vision and commitment to move the association forward. We are at a pivotal time in our history – there is much change needed and much opportunity that lies ahead. Every vote is necessary because it will provide a requisite mandate for the future ALA President, Executive Board and Council leadership. Every vote moves us toward our future and the impact we can create.”
ALA’s 2021 – 22 presidential election includes Patricia "Patty" M. Wong, city librarian at Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library, and Steven Yates, assistant director, University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies. Both candidates participated in the ALA Presidential and Candidates’ Forum that took place at the 2020 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Voters also will select 33 ALA Councilors-at-Large from a pool of 73 candidates. Biographical information about the Councilor-at-Large candidates is available on the ALA website.
Members can learn more about this year’s candidates by reviewing “Your Guide to the 2020 ALA Elections.” The guide contains general information about the ALA presidency and candidates, recent ALA presidential initiatives and council information.
When the polls open, ALA will notify voters by e-mail, providing them with information about how to vote online. Emails will be sent over a three-day period, March 9 – 11. To ensure receipt of your ballot, members should watch for emails from: “ALA Governance Office” at noreply@directvote.net.
ALA members began to receive notification by email confirming their eligibility to vote on Feb. 19. Eligible voters are ALA members in good standing as of Jan. 31, 2020.
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 Election Committee will meet at ALA headquarters on April 8 to certify election results. ALA leadership, members and the general public will receive notification of election results later in the day.
For more information on the election, call (800) 545-2433, ext. 5, or email membership@ala.org.
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, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.
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