UNA Elections 2021

Members of the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) have elected seven members to its Board of Directors during the 2021 UNA Elections.

The UNA Elections ran from November 8 to November 30, 2021. The counting procedures took place at the Wesbrook Community Centre and were overseen by a neutral third-party elections officer assisted by volunteers from the community. The UNA would like to thank all volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to the counting process.

The UNA would also like to thank all the candidates who put their name forward and whose desire to serve the UNA community is commendable.

Results

Candidates for Director

The deadline for nominations was October 8, 2021. The candidates for the 2021 UNA Elections can be viewed in the Candidates Statements (PDF). Please note that the UNA aims to facilitate a fair election and candidate statements are published as they are submitted. The UNA relies on the candidates to ensure the accuracy of their statements and forwards the statements to UNA members as a courtesy.

Voting Information

Voting Packages
UNA members received elections packages in the mail containing their ballots and information on how to vote on the week of November 8, 2021. Anyone who became a member by October 27 received an elections package in the mail. Anyone who signed up to become a UNA Member from October 28 to November 26 were able to pick up an elections package at the Wesbrook Community Centre, Old Barn Community Centre or UNA Main Office. Anyone who signed up after November 26 was not be eligible to vote for the 2021 UNA Elections (please see UNA Bylaw 5.10).

Representation Across Neighbourhoods
In order for all neighbourhoods to be represented in the Board, in the event that more than three Directors who reside in a particular UNA neighbourhood or designated building get the highest number of votes the provisions in UNA Bylaw 5.14 apply.

How to Vote
The election process includes safeguards to protect the integrity of the election by ensuring all votes remain anonymous, while also applying due diligence related to voter eligibility. Only one ballot per member is allowed. The process is outlined in the materials below. A copy of these documents will be included in the mail-out.

Important Dates

Please note the following dates of deadlines and events related to the UNA Election. The UNA will also announce all key information and events through the UNA Community Newsletter and by email to UNA members.

  • September 24 – Notice of Election and Call for Nominations
  • October 8 – Deadline for Nominations and Announcement of Candidates
  • November 8 – Mailing of Election Packages to UNA members
  • November 18 – All-Candidates Forum (via video conference, 7-8:30 p.m. An invitation link to attend will be sent out closer to the date of the event.)
  • November 26 – Deadline for Residents to Register to Vote (As per Bylaw 5.10, only persons who are members two business days before the deadline to submit ballots are eligible to participate in the elections.)
  • November 30 – Deadline to Submit Ballots, Ballot Counting and Announcement of Elections Results

FAQ

  • Why are elections being held separately from the Annual General Meeting (AGM)?

    In the previous version of the UNA Bylaws, elections were held on the same schedule as the AGMs. The change in timing for elections is necessitated by (a.) the requirement in the UNA Bylaws that the AGM be held by September 30 of the year, and (b.) the inclusion in the Bylaws of timing rules for each step in the election process. The change in timing avoids the need for the election procedure to begin in the middle of the summer.

  • Why are there so many envelopes?

    The package each member receives will include three envelopes and a ballot. It is important in this election, as it is in others, to ensure that the voting is anonymous. The return outer envelope facilitates mailing. The certification envelope ensures the validity of the vote and authenticity of the ballot. Once removed from the certification envelope, the secrecy envelope ensures the anonymity of the voter.

  • What is the unique envelope number?

    Each certification envelope bears a unique envelope number that helps the election officers certify the authenticity of the materials used to submit the votes. It is important to note that, to ensure anonymity, no identifying number is assigned to the ballot itself.

  • I am a candidate. Where can I find materials and forms for candidates?
  • Why am I receiving emails from candidates?

    During the July 20, 2021 Board of Directors’ meeting, the Board passed three motions in relation to Section 25 (1) of the Societies Act:

    • THAT the Board confirm, in accordance with Section 25 (1) of the Societies Act, that members’ right to inspect the UNA’s register of members is restricted on the basis that inspection would be harmful to the UNA and to the privacy and other interests of its members.
    • THAT the Board further resolve that a candidate for election to the UNA Board (each a Candidate”) may, upon application under section 25(3) of the Societies Act, be granted, temporary possession and use of electronic information containing a copy of the members’ register, listing each member and their name, mailing address, email and phone number, if available, on condition that: (a) the electronic information will be returned to the UNA within three days of the end of the election; (b) the members’ information will only be used for the purposes of legitimate election campaigning; and (c) all electronic and paper copies of the members’ information will be deleted promptly upon the conclusion of the election
    • THAT the Board further resolves that a communication will be issued to all members of the UNA inviting members to, by notice to the Society, elect not to have their email contact information shared with Candidates, and that the UNA shall not share with Candidates such email contact information of a member who objects.

    The UNA sent an email to all UNA Members on September 2, 2021 with instructions on how to opt-out of having their email information shared with candidates. The deadline to opt-out was October 4. The contact list was then finalized and shared with the candidates on October 8.

  • I have not yet received my election package. How can I get one?

    First, please confirm that you are a UNA Member. You can do this by logging into your UNA Account or by calling or visiting one of our community centres. Community centre contact information and locations can be found on the Facilities page. If you are not a member, you have until November 26 to sign up to become one to be eligible to vote for this year’s elections.

    All UNA Members who signed up before November 3, 2021 were mailed an election package. If you have not received your package by November 19, you can pick one up at the Wesbrook Community Centre, the Old Barn Community Centre or the UNA Main Office. Please see the Facilities page for hours and locations. Before you receive your replacement elections package, you will be asked to sign an agreement to destroy and dispose of your original elections package should you recover it or receive it at a later date.

    UNA Members who signed up after November 3, can pick up their elections package at the Wesbrook Community Centre, the Old Barn Community Centre or the UNA Main Office during operating hours.