Please Return Your Electronic Voting Form!

Apr 11

The TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) Version: If you have not already done so, please sign and return the form that authorizes SCOA to use electronic ballots and voting in future elections. Electronic voting will improve how the Club conducts business and we are here to support the transition.

The Spinone Club of America is committed to promoting the integrity of the Spinone. Part of that commitment is a significant digital transformation of the club’s systems and processes — from membership management and communication to event registration and record-keeping — all in an effort to better serve our members. With change comes challenges and we appreciate your patience as we navigate the transition together.

All members received an electronic voting form by mail that:

Needs to be signed and returned
Authorizes SCOA to use electronic ballots and voting in future elections
Confirms your mailing address and email address for our records
Can be included in your ballot envelope (noting the BALLOT must be received by 4/15).
Or sent to the Secretary (P.O. Box 1223, Old Chelsea Station, NY, NY 10113-1223)
Or scanned and emailed to the Secretary
Please contact the Secretary if you need another form!

It’s a huge step forward in how we conduct business.

Electronic voting offers benefits to members and the volunteers, officers and board members.

It’s easier for members. It is convenient for you, allowing you to cast your votes anywhere and anytime.
It increases participation. It leads to higher voter turnout and a more representative reflection of members’ views.
It’s cost-effective. It dramatically reduces the costs of paper-based voting for printing, mailing ballots, and return postage.
It’s accurate. It minimizes the risk of human error, providing more reliable results.
It’s faster. Results can be tabulated and shared quickly.
It’s easier for volunteers. It reduces the workload for club volunteers and simplifies record-keeping.

We believe it will increase fairness, efficiency, and accessibility and encourage all members to sign and return the form with their ballots.

We want to address your questions and concerns.

Thank you to the members who raised questions on Facebook. We want all members to feel confident with this new system.

“Who will see my votes?” Confidentiality is essential to make sure your vote remains private. Electronic voting separates your personal information from your vote.

“How long will you store my signature?” The Secretary will keep your signature on file as long as you are a member in good standing. A lapse in membership would require another signature. Contact the Secretary if you would like to revoke your authorization.

“My household member and and I share a single email address.” By tracking members by their own, unique email address we can verify member eligibility and prevent duplicate votes. We encourage each member to have their own email address and can provide technical support.

“I like how we did it before.” We recognize that some members may be hesitant about electronic voting, we don’t intend for it to be difficult. The Board is always available for questions, the Digital Assets Committee can provide technical guidance, and the Secretary can offer alternative solutions.

Please sign and return your form.

We want to address your concerns and provide support for a smooth transition to electronic voting for all members. We are confident it will provide members a larger voice.

Thank you for supporting our team of volunteers!