Ordered to Stop Election

[jdarling]

When we were recently electing officers at our monthly meeting, our election was abruptly stopped by our State President who was in attendance. After several attempts at trying to elect a President, it finally seemed as though one of long-time members was going to have enough votes to be elected. As soon as it became obvious that he would likely become our next President, the State President abruptly stopped the election and gave us a three-month suspension. He gave other reasons, but we all know it's because he doesn't personally care for the person who was about to be elected (personality conflict). Is this legal? Is there any action we can take? Most of us really like the person who was going to be elected and know he could do a very nice job in office.

[jstackpo]

Unless the bylaws - yours and the State Associations - give the State Pres power to do what he did, you have a nascent dictatorship on your hands. Ignore him. And find some friends who are active at the state level to consider discipling him - Chapter 20 in the Book.

[Chris Harrison]

The State President only has the authority that your bylaws or the bylaws of a higher ranked body gives him. Whether he has this authority is for you all to determine so time to put on you gumshoes and do some investigating.

[Guest Edgar]

Is there any action we can take?

What action did you take at the time?

Was there no one at the meeting who challenged the State President's authority to do what he did?

[sMargaret]

On that same note, even if your state association's board has the power to suspend a local chapter, check to see if the President acting alone has the power to do that.

[David A Foulkes]

However this plays out, I think one point to keep in mind is that you still have an incomplete election that needs to be completed. Be prepared to finish that up. In the meantime, you might also check your bylaws to determine what the term of office is for your directors, just to be sure they are still in office.