.png)
Elections are key to the smooth running of a PTA or PTO. They ensure that proper leadership presides over the organization’s activities and determines a division of responsibility within the PTO, making operations efficient. In the ever-uncertain world struck by the novel coronavirus, tasks have shifted to an online platform. And PTAs and PTOs have not trailed behind, with elections soon taking on a virtual mode.
However, most PTAs have no experience conducting online elections, so the task before them is not a small one. But there’s no need to worry; after reading this short guide, you’ll soon know all there is to know about running your PTAs elections online!
Source: (wzKHNVTZmZo)
How to Run Your PTO or PTA Elections Online:
Sort Out your Bylaws
The first step to holding successful online elections is ensuring your bylaws allow you to do so. If your PTO’s bylaws prohibit proxy voting, the next action is to work on amendments. Typically, this will entail notifying your PTO members about the proposed changes, usually through email, and setting up a time slot where the said amendments can be voted upon.
In current times of the coronavirus, where in-person voting poses a significant risk, a shift to online elections will likely be passed unanimously. Once this is so, PTOs should add a clause to their bylaws stating the allowance of virtual elections.
Choose your Voting Platform
Once you decide to proceed with online elections, you’ll need to dive into the real work. The primary step here is to select a voting platform through which you will conduct your PTO’s online elections.
There are three main options that PTOs can opt for:
1. Virtual Meeting
This would typically take place over a Zoom-hosted video conference. Members would gather, and once the candidates have been introduced, each can vote using the hand raise button or chat.
Suppose your PTO does opt for a virtual meeting election. In that case, it’s important to ensure everyone follows instructions: this entails members not speaking out of turn, minimizing background disruptions, and facilitating those with a weak internet connection.
2. Online Survey and Voting Programs
PTOs also have the option of conducting elections through surveys and voting software. The most popular include SurveyMonkey, ElectionBuddy, ElectionRunner, and OpaVote. These platforms make the election process much easier as individual votes do not need to be manually counted, and much time is saved.
3. Email Voting
The last option that PTOs have is to hold their elections via email. This is when a voting form is emailed to members, and votes are tallied according to the received responses. While email voting may seem simple enough, it can be hectic if members don’t follow instructions, for instance, by replying with multiple emails.
Source: (_UeY8aTI6d0)
Announcements
After all, is done and dusted, the last thing to deal with is the results announcement. Again, PTOs can do this in several ways, including sending a mass email or holding a virtual conference.
Ideally, it is best to employ both methods in conjunction as the email will work well for those who miss the conference due to any issue. The conference will allow the elected officers to familiarize themselves with the crowd.
While conducting online elections is no one’s first choice, it’s entirely doable given you head into it with the right frame of mind and preparation!