UFCT 1460 Fall 2025 Election Plan

Developed and issued by UFCT 1460 Elections Committee for the Fall 2025 General Election

Tom La Padula (Chair), Romel Espinel, Mike Friedman, Harriet Harriss, Zach Slanger

The nominations and elections of UFCT 1460 officers will be conducted in accordance with the AFT Constitution, the UFCT 1460 Bylaws, and the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). 

According to UFCT Bylaws Article III, Section 3, “The Elections Committee shall conduct all general and special elections and referenda of the organization.”

This election plan sets out rules that will, to preserve fairness, apply to all nominees and candidates; in accordance with the LMRDA, all nominees will be treated equally with respect to their opportunity to campaign. In order to restore trust in our union’s elections, the UFCT 1460 Elections Committee strives to make these rules as clear and transparent as we possibly can.

See Appendix A: Open Positions for descriptions of the duties of these officers and of the Executive Committee as a whole.

See Appendix B: Important Dates for a chronological list of all important dates and deadlines.

Eligibility

Eligibility to Nominate

All members in good standing are eligible to submit nominations (including self-nominations) for any or all of the four offices. Members may submit more than one nomination for each open office.

Eligibility to Be Nominated

According to UFCT 1460 Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section b, “A nominee must have been a member in good standing for at least one year prior to his or her nomination and have received at least four (4) supporting nominations, including self-nominations.”

Eligibility to Vote

All members in good standing are eligible to vote in a union election, provided they submit their union paperwork at least 30 days before the distribution of ballots.

Good Standing

A member in good standing is someone who is currently a member of the Local 1460 Pratt Institute bargaining unit, as per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), has submitted union paperwork, and has paid union dues at any point during the current academic year.

Part-time faculty who teach only in the Spring semester are eligible to vote, provided they have paid union dues at any point in the prior Spring semester, except for those ineligible because they currently hold a managerial role excluded from the bargaining unit.

Nominations

Please note that, due to how our Bylaws were written, there is some overlap between the important dates/deadlines for nominating, campaigning, and voting. For a chronological list of all dates and deadlines, see Appendix B: Important Dates at the end of this document.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, a reminder of the upcoming election and a notice of the opening of the nomination period were sent to all members.

On Monday, September 1, 2025, a nominations form will be distributed to all members, along with this election plan for the 2025 UFCT 1460 General Election (see UFCT 1460 Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section a). The nominations period opens upon distribution of the nominations form.

Nominations Process

For each nomination, the Elections Committee will confirm the good standing of both the nominator and the nominee(s) with the Executive Committee. The result of this determination will then be communicated to the nominator and the nominee(s). This process must be completed within ten calendar days of the initial nomination (see Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section c). In the event of a negative determination, a rationale for the decision will be provided and the nominator or nominee(s) will have an opportunity to challenge the determination (see Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section c).

Once a first nomination has been determined to be valid, the Elections Committee will ask the nominee to confirm, via email, that they affirmatively accept the nomination (see Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section c).

Once a nominee has 1) been confirmed as a member in good standing, 2) received four nominations (including self-nomination) from confirmed members in good standing, and 3) confirmed affirmative acceptance of the nomination, the member will be considered a candidate for office.

Informational Meeting for Potential Nominees

On Monday, September 15, 2025, 12pm–1:30pm on Zoom the Elections Committee will host an informational session for members interested in becoming a nominee. This session will review the open positions and their responsibilities as well as the nomination and election processes.

Nominations Deadline

The Elections Committee will accept nominations until 11:59pm on Sunday, September 28, 2025. This allows a full 28 days (the maximum allowed under our Bylaws; see Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section c) in order to provide as much opportunity as possible for potential candidates to consider whether or not to put their name forward and to secure the four nominations needed to become an official candidate.

Challenging Determinations of Ineligibility

Challenges to determinations of ineligibility must be filed with the UFCT 1460 Executive Committee by 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Challenges to determinations of ineligibility must be resolved by noon on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This concludes the nominations process (see Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section c).

Campaigning

First Meeting with Nominees and Candidates

On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 5pm–6:30pm on Zoom the Elections Committee will host a meeting for nominees and candidates to discuss the election process and campaigning rules.

Second Meeting with Candidates

On Monday, October 20, 2025, 12pm–1:30pm on Zoom all candidates will be invited to meet with the Elections Committee to review the election process and the rules for campaigning, to determine the order of candidates on the ballot by drawing lots, to confirm how candidates would like their names to appear on the ballot, and to remind candidates of their right to inspect the membership list once prior to the distribution of ballots.

Inspection of the Membership List

Beginning Thursday, October 2, 2025, nominees and candidates will be allowed, one time, to inspect the UFCT 1460 membership list prior to the distribution of ballots (in accordance with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act). Inspection of the membership list will happen in person. No nominee may make or receive a copy of the membership list or document it in any way. Nominees and candidates who wish to inspect the membership list should contact Treasurer Robert Ausch.

Campaign Restrictions

Federal law prohibits the use of any union or employer funds to promote the candidacy of any person in a union officer election. This applies to cash, facilities, equipment, office supplies, etc. 

Federal law also requires that all candidates must be treated equally with regard to the opportunity to campaign and that all members may support the candidates of their choice without being subject to penalty, discipline, or reprisal of any kind.

Candidate Materials

Candidate Statements

Candidate statements shall not exceed 500 words, the equivalent of “one (1) side of a typewritten page” (Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section e). Statements should address: 

• candidate qualifications;

• leadership experience;

• personal values and principles relevant to Union leadership;

• vision for the Union. 

Some potential, but not necessary, topics to address may include approaches to: 

• communication;

• availability to membership;

• the current state of higher education;

• collaboration;

• developing and growing solidarity;

• conflict and conflict resolution;

• supporting all faculty;

• Union culture.

Candidate statements may not include external links. (Candidates can always send out additional campaign literature via the Elections Committee; see Campaign Literature below.)

Candidate Portraits       

Candidate portraits should be 150 pixels wide x 200 pixels high (w/ 72 PPI) and in .jpeg format.

Deadline to Submit Candidate Materials

By 11:59pm on Monday, October 20, 2025, all candidates must submit their candidate materials to the Elections Committee (election@ufct1460.org).

Distribution of Candidate Materials

Candidate statements and candidate portraits will be shared with membership on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, according to the order in which candidates will appear on the ballot. Candidate materials will also be added to the UFCT 1460 website in the same order.

The communication of candidate materials will also include a link to a form by which UFCT 1460 members may submit questions to be asked of all candidates for a given position at the Candidate Forums (see Candidate Forums below for more information).

Candidate statements and candidate portraits will also appear on the ballot.

Campaign Literature

In addition to candidate statements and portraits, candidates may share campaign literature with the membership at large via the Elections Committee. 

The Elections Committee will comply with all reasonable requests related to the distribution of campaign literature, in the order such requests are made, and will treat all candidates’ requests equally, in accordance with the LMRDA. 

We encourage candidates to stick to the issues and to discuss platforms rather than people.

Any expenses related to the distribution of campaign literature must be paid for by the candidate.

Requests for campaign literature distribution should be emailed to the Elections Committee (election@ufct1460.org).

Campaign literature may not include any external links.

Candidate Forums

The Elections Committee will hold two candidate forums during which candidates can share their qualifications and vision, explain their platform, and respond to questions from UFCT 1460 members. All candidates are invited to participate in these Forums, though no one is required to participate.

The Candidate Forums will be:

• Monday, October 27, 12pm–2pm on Zoom

• Wednesday, October 29, 5pm–7pm on Zoom

No one, whether candidate or UFCT 1460 member, may record or transcribe the Candidate Forums. This includes the use of AI companions and other digital transcription tools.

The membership at large will have the opportunity to submit potential questions to be asked at the Candidate Forums. Questions from membership should be for all candidates for a particular position (e.g., Treasurer), rather than for any individual candidate. (There will be an opportunity to ask questions of individual candidates toward the end of each Candidate Forum). The form to submit questions for each position will be included in the communication distributing candidate materials on Wednesday, October 22.

Election Notice

On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Elections Committee will email official notice of election for all contested positions to all UFCT 1460 members (in accordance with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act).

Election

Creation of Ballot

On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Elections Committee will create the ballot for the 2025 UFCT 1460 General Election.

Distribution and Submission of Ballots

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the Elections Committee will distribute digital ballots, using a digital elections platform, to all UFCT 1460 members eligible to vote in the 2025 General Election. Upon distribution of ballots, the election will officially be open.

Ballots must be received before 11:59pm on Monday, December 1, 2025; the election officially closes at 11:59pm on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Certification of Ballots and Announcement of Results

By 11:59pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Elections Committee will certify the ballots and the election results. Election results will be announced immediately following certification.

According to Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section g, “In the event that one candidate fails to gain a majority of valid votes cast, a runoff election will be held at the beginning of the subsequent Spring semester.” Note that a majority requires a number of votes greater than 50% of the total valid votes cast. 

In the case that no candidate for an office receives more than 50% of the total valid vote cast, the Elections Committee will organize and oversee a runoff election early in the Spring semester for the two top vote-earners for that office.

Election Records

As required by Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section f, the Elections Committee will securely store all election materials for a period of one year. This includes ballots, voter eligibility lists and the official ballot tally certification.

The Elections Committee will make every effort to provide a written report on the election process and outcome within 60 days of the election’s certification.

Challenging the Election

Candidates, voters, and UFCT 1460 members should contact the UFCT 1460 Elections Committee with any questions, complaints, or concerns about the nomination and/or election processes and procedures. When doing so, please refrain from making personal attacks or disparaging remarks about individual candidates. 

Any violation of the rules set out in this election plan and/or our Union’s governing documents should be reported to the Elections Committee immediately so that corrective action can be taken, if necessary. According to Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section h, such challenges “must be filed within ten (10) calendar days upon the awareness of the alleged irregularity.”

Any member may challenge the results of the election by filing a written protest with the Elections Committee.

Any such communications should be made to the Elections Committee email address: election@ufct1460.org.

Disclaimer

The above rules are not all inclusive. Additional election rules or clarifications may be issued by the UFCT 1460 Elections Committee as needed during the nominations, campaigning, and voting phases of the election.

Appendix A: Open Positions

The following offices are to be filled in the 2025 UFCT 1460 General Election: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Each of these offices are ex officio members of the UFCT 1460 Executive Committee.

Elected officers will serve a 3-year term (see Bylaws Article IV, Section 1, Sub-Section i). The term will start on January 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2028.

See excerpts from our Constitution and Bylaws below, laying out the duties and responsibilities of each office and of the Executive Committee as a whole.

Constitution

Article V: Officers of the Union 

5.1 The Union’s four (4) officers shall be: President, Vice President,  Treasurer, and Secretary. These four officers shall comprise of the  organization’s Executive Committee.  

5.2 All officers shall perform the customary duties and exercise the  usual powers of such offices as specified in the Constitution or the  Bylaws.  

Bylaws

Article I: Duties of the Officers 

1.1 President: The President shall be the chief executive officer of the  the UFCT Local 1460 and shall preside at meetings of the Executive  Committee and membership meetings. The President shall make  decisions between meetings on the basis of organizational policy,  making every effort to consult with Executive Committee, and shall  have such powers as may be required for the exercise of those duties.

1.2 Vice President: The Vice President shall assist the President and  assume the duties of that office in the absence of the President, and  shall become President if that office is vacated. 

1.3 Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining  accurate financial records, the payment of all bills, the annual audit of  the union’s financial status which shall be disseminated to  membership, for maintaining a budget, and for reporting the dues paying status of membership. 

1.4 Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for the preparation  of the minutes of the Executive Committee and of the membership  meetings, and for their prompt dissemination to the membership, and  shall maintain the non-financial records of the union.  

Article II: Executive Committee 

2.1 The Executive Committee shall meet monthly, or at the call of  the President, or at the call of two (2) or more of its members, or at the  call of the Delegates Assembly, for the purpose of initiating,  overseeing or revising the program of the organization and to conduct  other business of the organization that is within its authority. A  quorum for the Executive Committee shall be a majority of its  members. 

2.2 The Executive Committee with the assistance of the Treasurer  shall prepare, establish, and present to the Delegates Assembly and  the membership an annual budget in the month prior to the beginning  of the fiscal year. 

2.3 The Executive Committee shall employ all professional,  technical, clerical, and support staff of the organization. 

2.4 The Executive Committee shall establish the salary, benefits, and expense guidelines of any general officer who is employed by the  organization. 

2.5 The Executive Committee shall be empowered to make  contracts and incur liabilities including the purchase of services,  equipment, and real property, to borrow money, to secure such  obligations by mortgage or other instrument, and to otherwise engage in financial transactions to the extent permitted by applicable law or  statute. The Executive Committee shall have the power to sue,  complain, and defend on behalf of the membership. 

2.6 The Executive Committee shall be responsible for adherence to  and enforcement of the Constitution and Bylaws of the organization. 

2.7 The Executive Committee shall issue regular reports, including  an annual report, to the Delegates Assembly and the membership. 

Appendix B: Important Dates

Monday, September 1, 2025	Nomination form and election plan distributed; nominations period officially opens
Monday, September 15, 2025 12pm–1:30pm	Nomination meeting: informational session for members regarding open positions and election process
11:59pm on Sunday, September 28, 2025	Deadline for receipt of nominations; nominations period officially closes
Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 5pm–6:30pm	First meeting with nominees and candidates
11:59pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025	Deadline to file a challenge to a determination of ineligibility
Friday, October 17, 2025	Notice of election emailed to all UFCT 1460 members
Noon on Saturday, October 18, 2025	Deadline to resolve a challenge to a determination of ineligibility; nominations final after this point.
Monday, October 20, 2025, 12pm–1:30pm	Second meeting with candidates
11:59pm on Monday, October 20, 2025	Deadlines for candidates to submit candidate materials
Wednesday, October 22, 2025	Distribution of candidate materials to all members
Friday, October 24, 2025	Elections Committee creates the ballot and adds candidate materials to the UFCT 1460 website
Monday, October 27, 2025, 12pm–2pm	Candidate Forum #1
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 5pm–7pm	Candidate Forum #2
Saturday, November 1, 2025	Distribution of ballots to eligible voters; election officially opens
11:59pm on Monday, December 1, 2025	Deadline to vote/submit ballot; election officially closes
11:59pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025	Deadline for certification of ballots and election results; elections results announced immediately after certification