The USMS is going to become more transparent with its elections!

The USMS or United States Masters Swimming is going to put candidates who are running for office on their website weeks before the election so as to allow more participation.

I like this - it will allow me to blog about it as well.

2011 House of Delegates Update

It is the practice of the Election Committee to not disclose nominee/candidate intentions prior to the close of the initial nomination period on April 30th.

However, as reported in the Board minutes of March 2, 2011, Jeff Moxie will not run for reelection as USMS President. Because of Jeff's decision, it may be assumed that other qualified members, one or more who may currently be other officers, will choose to run for president. In the event current officers run for president instead of running for reelection, there will be other open positions that may not be equally apparent to all interested individuals.

Therefore, in order to maintain a fair and transparent election process the Board approved (in their meeting on April 6th , 2011) a temporary adjustment to election policy (IV.B.5) to read: "The committee may extend the nomination period six weeks for any office which the current officer is not standing for reelection after the nomination period expires."

What this means is that soon after the initial nomination period closes, on April 30, the Election Committee will post the list of candidates on the web site and reporting all positions which have an extended nomination period. This list of positions will include any office in which the current officer is not running for reelection, regardless if other candidates are slated.In addition, the Election Committee will communicate with the House of Delegates, informing you of the positions which have an extended nomination period.

As always, we encourage you, our volunteer leadership, to consider running for higher office. And if you have any interest in running or any questions about the this adjustment or any aspect of our election process, please contact any member of our election committee.

Thank you.

Rob Copeland
USMS Election Committee Chair