While it is permissible for a labor organization to deny the right
to vote to those delinquent in paying their dues (with the exceptions
noted) or to those who have been suspended or disciplined in accordance
with section 101(a)(5) of the Act, a provision under which such persons
are disqualified from voting for an extended period of time after
payment of back dues or after reinstatement would not be considered
reasonable. After a member has resumed his good-standing status, it
would be unreasonable to continue to deprive him of his right to vote
for a period longer than that for a new member. A new member may
reasonably be required to establish a relationship with the union by
remaining in good standing for a continuous period of time, e.g., 6
months or a year, before being permitted to vote in an election of
officers. However, while the right to vote may be deferred within
reasonable limits, a union may not create special classes of nonvoting
members.
