OLMS News
Number 05-16
October 19, 2016
Electing Union Officers Using Remote Electronic Voting Systems
Today, the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) posted on its website a compliance tip on remote electronic voting in labor union officer elections. The guidance applies to labor unions representing private sector and federal government employees. OLMS developed the guidance to explain how the labor union election laws (under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act) apply when unions use Internet based voting systems to elect their officers.
The specific guidance presented is based on current technology and the characteristics and design elements of remote electronic voting systems that OLMS has reviewed to date. While all remote electronic voting systems must comply with the law, it is possible that solutions other than those identified in the guidance would also satisfy these requirements. Further, new technology is likely to provide additional methods of conducting remote electronic voting.
If, after reviewing the guidance, you have questions about remote electronic voting systems, OLMS welcomes you to contact us at olms-public@dol.gov. Moreover, OLMS recognizes that innovative voting technology may be developed that enhances compliance with the requirements of the LMRDA, and OLMS invites such innovative developments to be shared with us, also at olms-public@dol.gov.
To view the guidance, please visit the OLMS Compliance Tip page. The guidance is available in both PDF and HTML formats.
Last Updated: 10-20-16