Election Policies

National
The American Camping Association, in the election of its National officers, shall restrict its promotion of individual candidates to the following methods:

1. The active solicitation of qualified persons to accept nomination for office.
2. Written biographical sketches for each candidate on an initial selection ballot for the determination of a slate.
3. Publication of accurate biographical sketches and pictures on ACA's Web site.
4. Biographical sketch accompanying the printed ballot in December.
5. Equal opportunities for all candidates, within like categories of offices, to participate in the presentation of statements, position papers, etc., should such approaches or programs be initiated.

Section’s Role in National Elections

1. May announce verbally, in written form, or electronically the names and/or unedited sketches of candidates. Such announcements must include a listing of all candidates in alphabetical order.
2. Must provide equal opportunities for all candidates, within like categories of offices, to participate in the presentation of statements, position papers, etc., should such approaches or programs be initiated.
3. Are encouraged to emphasize the privilege and responsibility to vote.
4. Must not in any way whatsoever promote an individual candidate. If there are doubts as to whether or not the plans of a section (or individuals who might be conceived as representatives) are in accord with ethical procedure, these plans should be cleared with the National Ethics Committee chairperson prior to implementation.

Any action(s) on the part of national, sections, or individuals — that is identified as questionable or in violation of election ethics and is so called to the attention of any member of the national board shall be referred to the National Ethics Committee for study.

If the National Ethics Committee determines that the act in question was accidental, naive, and had no significant effect on the election, those involved will receive a communication from the National Ethics Committee explaining the election policies and the implications of their action. If it is determined that ethics have been purposely violated or that there is evidence of misinterpretation or misunderstanding, the National Ethics Committee, in consultation with the National Board Development Committee and with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall impose appropriate sanctions. These may include:

1. A written reprimand directed only to the offender(s) and entered into the minutes of the national board.
2. A written reprimand directed to the offender(s) and also disseminated to all section offices.
3. The declaration of an election as null and void and a call for another election with or without the candidate(s) in question.