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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 Joe Smith for president.” That is all that is required; no seconding speech is necessary. A member may also place the member’s own name in nomination.

The chairperson should then announce, “Joe Smith 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 local unions use a nominating committee. A nominating committee, like any other committee, is ordinarily appointed by the local president with the approval of the executive board. The use of a nominating committee is permitted under the International Constitution, but local 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 Joe Smith 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 that the nomination will be accepted, 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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