What Requires a Vote Within a Physician Association?

Whether it’s for America’s next president or an association leader, every vote in an election matters. After all, democracy at any level is a critical part to success, as casting a ballot can lead to organizational or systemic change.

When it comes to elections in physicians associations, what decisions require a vote within a physician association? Important decisions within a physician association that typically require a vote from its members may vary depending on each individual association’s bylaws and specific structure. This blog will break down a few of the most important matters associations may bring to a vote.

Leadership Elections

A key part of any association or organization are its leaders, most of which are often elected by members. These elections may include roles such as the president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer positions. 

First, leaders should closely align with the association’s mission and goals, with an appropriate amount of experience and expertise to back up their qualifications. When a certain number of qualified candidates have been nominated or chosen, members cast their votes to determine who will ultimately lead the organization.

Similarly, if the association has a board of directors, the election or appointment of board members may also require a membership vote.

Bylaws and Policies

An association’s constitution establishes the basic principles in which the organization operates. These are often referred to as the ‘bylaws.’ Having bylaws in place can support successful governance of the organization and its members.

For example, the American Medical Association (AMA) is composed of individuals who are represented in a House of Delegates through state associations and other constituent associations or other entities. The House of Delegates is the legislative, policy-making body of the organization. Within the bylaws, the AMA lists various membership categories, the composition of the House of Delegates, as well as the duties of officers.

The voting process, much like how to conduct elections in a medical association, is easy to explain and understand. Whenever a new bylaw is put forward or an amendment to the bylaws is proposed, members must vote on it before it is enacted.

Changes to association policies and procedures are also subject to a vote, ensuring members have a voice in shaping the rules of the organization.

Voting with ElectionBuddy

While election periods can be chaotic, they don’t have to be. ElectionBuddy helps streamline the process to urge and empower members to vote on these critically important matters. Its results lead to an engaged membership with excellent voter turnout.

ElectionBuddy ensures members are informed and have the opportunity to participate in important decision-making within their association. Free for up to twenty voters, ElectionBuddy is proven to boost voter engagement while preserving election integrity.

Our platform is user-friendly and can be accessed from anywhere, making it easy for voters to anonymously cast their ballot by phone, by mail, or on-site. ElectionBuddy also offers flexible, customizable ballots so associations may vote on a range of topics, such as leadership positions, bylaw amendments, budget approvals, surveys, and so much more.

Interested in setting up an association for physicians? Learn how to create physician associations in our latest article!