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Challenges

A "challenge" is a formal objection to someone's right to run for office. It must be raised by a member before the election is actually held.

A challenge must be based on some provision of the Constitution of the International Union or of the Chapter or Sub-Chapter. Examples of valid bases for challenges are:

  • The nominee has not been a member of the Sub-Chapter for the length of time required by the constitution.

  • The nominee has been declared ineligible for a time period which includes the date of the election as a result of charges under provisions of the International Union Constitution, or the constitutions of the Chapter or Sub-Chapter.

Any challenge that is raised must be referred immediately to the Election Committee. The Committee should meet as quickly as possible, offering both the challenged nominee and the member making the challenge the opportunity to be heard. The committee may also wish to examine official records affecting the challenge, and it has an absolute right to do so.

The Committee must then decide the matter and report its decision to the membership before the election takes place. The Committee's decision is subject to acceptance or rejection by the membership.

Action on a challenge may later be appealed to the International Executive Board. The filing of such an appeal, however, should not be used as a basis for delaying the election.

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