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Making Nominations

When the time for nominations arrives, the chairperson* of the meeting announces, "Nominations are now open for the office of President." Any member may then rise and, when recognized by the chairperson, say "I nominate Jane Doe for President." That is all that is required; no seconding speech is necessary.

The chairperson should then announce, "Jane Doe has been nominated. Are there any other nominations for President?" This procedure should be continued until three consecutive calls for "other nominations" go unanswered. The chairperson should then declare the nominations for that office closed and proceed to the next office. No motion is needed, under such a circumstance, to close the nominations, and a motion to close nominations is always out of order if another member is seeking the floor for the purpose of making a nomination.

Some Sub-Chapters use a Nominating Committee. A Nominating Committee, like any other committee, is ordinarily appointed by the Sub-Chapter President with the approval of the Executive Board. The use of a Nominating Committee is permitted under the Retiree Elections Code, but Sub-Chapter constitutions may prohibit them.

Use of a Nominating Committee, however, does not change the requirement that nominations be permitted from the floor at the nomination meeting. If such a committee is used, it would first make its report to the meeting. The chairperson of the meeting would then announce, "The Nominating Committee has nominated Jane Doe for President. Are there any other nominations for President?" and would then continue just as if no Nominating Committee had been used.

As nominations are closed for each office, in any case where there is only one nominee and where that nominee has indicated he or she will accept the office, the unopposed candidate should be declared elected. This should be done by the chairperson of the meeting and does not require a motion or a vote.

* While it is not legally required, it is customary for the President to relinquish the chair to someone who is not going to be a candidate to conduct the nominations.

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