Due to numerous calls to the Local Office, Business Agents, and Officers regarding the memberships ability to attend in-person voting on July 26, 2024, I explored the option of Email balloting through our communications provider NEP Services. When it was found that an Email balloting system was part of our contract and at no additional cost with NEP Services, I then asked for permission to Email ballot from IBEW, Third District. After approval, the Union’s Executive Board also agreed to the change.

Although we communicated by the website, text, and Email the ratification vote as in-person, I feel that the change to Email balloting will provide a better turnout for the vote than in-person voting. Balloting locations were to be held at the main offices, but satellite offices, shift, scheduled, trouble or customer service employees may not have had an opportunity to vote in-person. This change to Email Balloting will provide equal opportunity for all members to vote.There is no advantage to any one craft or division by this change, were as if in person, employees would have been unable to vote due to many circumstances not in their control.

Other reasons for Email balloting include it is at no cost to the membership, the entire membership will have the same opportunity to vote and the results of the balloting will be quicker to communicate to the membership. At your explanation meeting, if you have not already provided the office your Email address and received notification on Email balloting you will have an opportunity to leave your name and email on a list that will be sent to the Union Office following the meeting. Have your brothers and sisters backs if they were unable to attend this meeting tell them to contact the Union Office or text a Union Representative, their name and Email address to receive their ballot by Email if they haven’t already done so.

Dan Addy

Business Manager

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