Nominations for Board

[Guest Doug P]

I'm part of a board of directors for a golf country club. Historically to elect members to the board (3 each year), we have a nominating committee put together a ballot with a minimum of 3 people to be considered for election. The nominating committee may solicit people or may issue a general announcement either via email or thru our monthly newsletter to recruit potential board members. This year we have 6 people on the ballot, but no place for a write in. Is this an accepted policy?

[Chris Harrison]

Not unless the bylaws specifically prohibit write-in votes and nominations from the floor.

[Guest Edgar]

This year we have 6 people on the ballot, but no place for a write in. Is this an accepted policy?

Assuming all six were selected (or simply accepted) by the nominating committee, you'll still need to accept nominations "from the floor" and the ballot should provide space for write-ins. It should also be made clear that members can vote for fewer than three candidates (i.e. any number up to and including three).

[George Mervosh]

When you redo the ballots, leave 3 spaces for write-ins since you have 3 positions opened.

[JohnR]

But if you allow write-ins, someone could steal the election!