Chapter Chair Role in UTLA Elections

Updated for 2025

Chapter Chairs play a vital role in UTLA Citywide Elections to keep elections fair, democratic, and accessible. Chapter Chairs also help to ensure that all members are fully informed.

Expectations

• Explain the election process to members, such as the use of electronic ballots.
• Give all candidates equal access to speak at Chapter Meetings.
• Share all candidates’ written and digital materials.
• Encourage members to vote.
• Must protect member privacy and ballot choices.

Candidate Access & Privacy

• Member information is protected; candidates cannot buy member lists.
• Qualified candidates receive Chapter Chair and Area Director contact info (name, school,
  email, phone).
• Candidates may request time to meet staff and share materials.

Supporting Voter Engagement

• Promote participation by making candidate information available to all members.
• Help members with online voting (e.g., “Find My PIN”). Direct unresolved issues to the UTLA Elections Committee.
• Share resources like Learning About UTLA Governance and Orientation for Voters.
• Discuss officer roles and their impact at the local site.

Rights of Chapter Chairs

• May endorse or not endorse candidates but cannot use UTLA resources for endorsements.
• To allow campaigning at their site upon request by a candidate, unless schedule issues would make it impossible or disruptive for the candidate to campaign at that school on that particular day.

Please contact the Elections Committee if you have any questions.