Delegate selection underway for 2021 Virtual Rep Convention
Plans are underway for the 2021 Education Minnesota Representative Convention, which will be held virtually Saturday, April 24. While the format may be different, this is still an opportunity for members to represent their colleagues on issues that affect all educators by seeking a post as a delegate or alternate.
Major business for delegates includes acting on changes to the union’s constitution and bylaws and considering any action items. The rules for the virtual convention will be posted on Education Minnesota’s website once adopted by the Governing Board. A ceremony celebrating the award winners traditionally done at the RC will be held on a different date, to be determined.
The deadline for local presidents to inform Education Minnesota of those who will be delegates and alternates to the RC will be 5 p.m. Friday, April 23.
The number of delegates allocated to each local and statewide affiliate is determined by the number of members. Delegates are chosen by open nominations and secret ballot. Interested members should contact their local president for details on how to participate.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, locals may not be able to safely conduct in-person elections for delegates to the Representative Convention. Most electronic polling platforms don’t comply with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act because of the law’s ballot secrecy and observation requirements.
For locals who choose to conduct a mail ballot, the LMRDA requirements must be followed.
Education Minnesota understands that conducting a mail ballot election may not have been something for which your local budgeted. Therefore, Education Minnesota would like to help your local offset these unforeseen expenses. If your local needs to conduct a mail ballot election, the costs of doing so will be reimbursed by Education Minnesota. Local presidents received information on reimbursement.
