Union Election Fraud Prevention

Union elections should always be fair, honest, and transparent. This includes developing labor union election strategies that help to keep them just and set you up for success.

When comparing labor union election practices globally, you’ll notice that every country does things a little differently. In the United States, complying with Department of Labor online voting regulations, your union’s constitution and bylaws, and electoral procedures are a few ways to prevent election fraud. You can also use secure election software, like ElectionBuddy, to eliminate the risk of fraudulent voting.

Following Federal Rules and Regulations

More and more unions are turning to online or remote voting to boost voter turnout. Convenient voting methods make it easier for members to cast ballots for important decisions.

While unions can establish their own set of rules and regulations, unions that utilize online voting must follow the online voting requirements set by the United States Department of Labor Office of Labor Management standards, such as:

• Unions are required to hold officer elections by secret ballot.
• Candidates can have observers at the polls and during the ballot counting.
• Election records must be kept for a year for paper trail purposes.
• Members can file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor if they feel something went wrong.

It’s all about making sure everyone has a fair shot.

Understanding Your Union Constitution and Bylaws

A union’s constitution and bylaws are the foundation of any labor organization. Without these established rules and regulations, it would be very hard to hold the union and its leadership accountable. These key documents not only outline the democratic processes for union elections, but they make it possible for members to understand their rights and what procedures are in place to protect them.

Well-written and established bylaws should support transparency and fairness within the organization. These two key traits are needed to build trust among the entire group. They’re also designed to provide legal protection and uphold the integrity of the union, preventing the possibility of election fraud.

Establishing Electoral Procedures and Committees

When unions have specific guidelines for how elections are conducted, they create a transparent framework–from the nomination process to voting methods and ballot counting–that builds trust. Clarity can reduce possible misunderstandings and opportunities for voter manipulation or abuse. It also empowers your members to vote confidently, knowing their voices are heard and respected. 

Many unions have election committees in place. These committees typically consist of several people whose roles are to ensure the election goes off without a hitch. This means overseeing the nomination process, helping count votes, and determining next steps for any potential issues.

Having election procedures and a committee you trust provides a basis for accountability. If issues do pop up, it becomes easier to identify and address them based on set rules.

Utilizing Technology to Your Advantage

Keeping elections fair and transparent can be a lot of work, especially if you aren’t using technology to streamline the process. Platforms like ElectionBuddy are compliant with the Department of Labor’s online voting regulations, and can handle different types of union elections, such as contract ratifications, leadership changes, strike votes, and more. 

ElectionBuddy uses access keys, creates audit trails for votes, and keeps voters' choices separate from their identities to ensure voter integrity. Plus, election results remain a secret until the voting is complete to keep the process fair. 

With help from ElectionBuddy, you can better communicate with your union members to keep them informed and members can vote securely from anywhere. It really is a simple solution for all of your union election needs!