2020 Election Information

2020 Elections

The national emergency due to the COVID-19 virus has disrupted the original plans for the 2020 National Meeting. In order to have an orderly transition for newly elected officers and let members vote on the proposed Bylaw changes, the election occurred during the normal Spring timeframe of the National Meeting in a virtual format. See the results on the FLC Business and Voting Bulletin page.

NEW! Voting on Additional Changes to Bylaws

Now, starting July 28, we are asking for your vote on a new (and much less extensive) set of changes to the bylaws.

We heard your comments and would like to simplify the process for the future and need your involvement in another voting exercise to do so. This time we are wanting to update our bylaws to allow for FLC elections to be nimble with the ability to do electronic voting and redefining the national meeting.

Ballots
Click here to view the Bylaws Voting Guide. Click here for the just the ballots.

Election Timeline

April 13, 2020	Election Guide & Ballots are shared with Membership via Email from John Dement, Chair FLC
April 14, 2020	Election is open with announcement via email
May 13, 2020	Voting closes (midnight EDT)
May 21, 2020	Election Results announced on FLC Business and Voting Bulletin
May 27, 2020	Runoff Election Guide and Ballots will be posted and emailed.
June 16, 2020	Runoff Election Voting Closes
July 28, 2020	Additional Bylaws Voting Opens
August 28, 2020	Voting closes (midnight EDT)
Oct. 1, 2020	New Executive Board and Regional Coordinators term begins

Election FAQs

With fewer MAL positions, how can we ensure adequate representation on the Executive Board across agencies, labs, and regions?

Historically, the number of members running for elections have been low. Although the FLC has enjoyed highly dedicated and talented Executive Board members, these changes will better align the requirements of Executive Board members with regard to workload and content delivery. The statutory requirements for the FLC only require the election of a Chair by the representatives. The Bylaws describe the other positions and functions as they have evolved over time. The current Executive Board has invested considerable time and effort into realigning the Bylaws to best practices seen in similar organizations and the realities of participation on the Executive Board itself.
Why is the FLC making these changes to the Bylaws?

The FLC is making these changes to the bylaws to modernize the Consortium by allowing for more nimble practices as we move to a more strategic rather than an operational practice. These changes must follow the process described in the Bylaws to be approved by the members before implemented.
Is the Board going to update all of the bylaws in the future or are only these items getting changed?

The current Bylaw amendments are all that are being considered at this election. Article XI of the FLC Bylaws describes the process for amendments. Amendments to the Bylaws happen regularly following these procedures.
How do these changes impact me as a member?

As a member of the FLC, you should anticipate a greater alignment between the structure and function of the Executive Board and the Cooperating Partner, resulting in better service delivery. The Executive Board will be able to serve as a true oversight Board of Directors rather than trying to deliver content while performing full time duties at a federal laboratory.
What amount of votes are required to approve the changes?

The FLC Bylaws allow for a simple majority of votes to carry for elections or amendments provided that a quorum of at least 25% of eligible voters cast a ballot.