On June 23-24, PAEA member programs will vote on two strategic bylaws revisions proposed by the Board of Directors to enhance our leadership selection process. These updates will modernize our elections while reinforcing PAEA’s foundational commitments to transparency, member leadership, and trust. As always, your program’s vote is essential, ensuring member programs remain the cornerstone of our Association’s governance as we continue to grow and evolve.
2025-BOD 1. Article 3.03 ELECTION
Background/Rationale: This amendment updates the method for electing all open Directors at Large positions from a majority vote to a plurality vote, meaning candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. (Director at Large positions include President, President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors at Large.) This change significantly reduces the likelihood of runoff elections, which are time-consuming and potentially stressful for candidates and Voting Member programs. The plurality approach allows for a more efficient, candidate-friendly process.
The revised language also references the newly established Board Nominating Committee, which will help ensure that candidates presented for election are well-qualified and strategically aligned with the needs of the Association.
Additionally, at the discretion of the nominating committee, all open Board positions may be voted on through separate elections when strategically beneficial.
Motion: Be it resolved that the following amendment be made to the PAEA Bylaws.
Article 3.03 ELECTION
Board candidates and Elected Members of the Board must meet eligibility criteria published by the Association. Candidates for the office of Student Member at Large are sought through an open call to the PAEA membership and approved by the PAEA Board. The candidate list and the Board position for which such candidate is nominated, if applicable, are distributed to Member Programs at least 20 calendar days before the election date. Provided that a quorum of Members is participating, Directors at Large candidates are elected by receiving the vote of a majority (50% plus one) highest number of valid ballots cast by the Voting Representatives (including by proxy). At the discretion of the nominating committee, all open Board positions may be voted on through separate elections when strategically beneficial.
2025-BOD 2. Article 4.02 OFFICER ELECTION
Background/Rationale: This amendment updates the method for electing PAEA officers from a majority vote to a plurality vote, meaning candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. This change eliminates time-consuming runoff elections while reducing stress on candidates who would otherwise face extended campaign periods. The plurality approach maintains fairness while creating a more efficient, candidate-friendly process.
This change brings the officer election process into alignment with the updated procedures for Directors at Large and supports a consistent, accessible governance framework across all board positions.
Motion: Be it resolved that the following amendment be made to the PAEA Bylaws.
Article 4.02 OFFICER ELECTION
The President Elect, the Secretary, and the Treasurer are elected by the affirmative vote of a majority (50% plus one) the highest number of valid ballots cast by the Voting Representatives (including by proxy). The candidate list is distributed to Member Programs at least 20 calendar days before the election date.
Voting
Each PAEA member program holds one vote, with program directors typically serving as their program’s voting representative. Key dates include:
- June 11: Distribution of voting instructions and designation forms to program directors
- June 23-24: Member voting period
- June 24: Results announce in the Networker