Elections
Information about the UNA Elections, call for nominations, important dates and frequently asked questions.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
During the July 20, 2021 Board of Directors’ meeting, the Board passed three motions in relation to Section 25 (1) of the Societies Act:
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.
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.