The statutory protection of the right to vote implies that there
must be a reasonable opportunity to vote. Thus, there is an obligation
on the labor organization to conduct its periodic election of officers
in such a way as to afford all its members a reasonable opportunity to
cast ballots. A union may meet this obligation in a variety of ways,
depending on factors such as the distance between the members' work site
or homes and the polling place, the means of transportation available,
the nature of the members' occupations, and their hours of work. A
reasonable opportunity to vote may require establishing multiple polling
places or the
use of a mail ballot referendum when the members are widely dispersed.
It would also be reasonable for the time period for voting to be
extended to accommodate members who might otherwise be prevented from
voting due to conflicting work schedules. Shortening the voting period
by a late opening of the polls would not, in itself, be improper unless
the intent or practical effect of such action is to deprive members of
their right to vote.
