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General Association elections for officers and members of the Board of Directors including delegates to the Maryland State Education Association and the National Education Association Representative Assemblies, shall be conducted by the Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Commission during ten (10) consecutive school days. Only regular members in good standing shall be permitted to vote.

Section 2. Duties.

The Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Commission shall be responsible for the following in the conduct of the General Election in accordance with such procedures and rules as may be established by the Commission:

a) Notify the membership of all upcoming Association vacancies in accordance with these By-laws.

b) Receive all nominations by dates set forth in its rules each year.

c) Notify all candidates seeking nominations for officers and members of the Board of Directors whether they are eligible to be placed on the official Association ballot at least two (2) weeks prior to the January Representative Council meeting.

If any candidate is not eligible for nomination, the Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Commission will advise him/her of the reasons for denial at the time of the notice. Eligible candidates will receive a copy of the Fair Campaign Practice Code.

d) Prepare for the January Representative Council meeting and the membership a final report on the slate of nominees along with biographical information of each candidate and a short statement from each candidate as to why he/she seeks office.

e) Introduce candidates for offices and members of the Board of Directors at the February Representative Council meeting. Candidates for office may speak to the Council for no more than three (3) minutes each on why they seek office.

f) Prepare and distribute ballots to all regular members of the Association in time sufficient to meet the date of the general election.

g) Notify all candidates seeking Association office listed on the official ballot, the results of the election within twenty-four (24) hours following the final tabulation of the ballots.

h) Prepare and report to the Representative Council following conclusion of the general election a final report of the elections results.

Section 3. Appeals.

Any member may request a hearing before the Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Commission to appeal its denial of his/her nomination, to report any election irregularities, or challenge any other Commission action within five (5) school days of the act or incident. Upon receipt of a proper appeal, the Commission shall hold a hearing and render a decision within five (5) school days. The Committee Chairperson may request legal counsel or other assistance through the Executive Director.

Section 4. Election Finances and Disclosure.

No candidate for any Association office will be permitted to spend more money for campaign expenses than that established by the Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Commission. Candidates shall make an itemized financial report of sources and expenditures of campaign fund to the Nominations, Elections, and Credentials Commission at times and in a manner as the Commission shall prescribe.