2.5 Elections

The IEEE Constitution and Bylaws do not specify which positions must be elected and which may be appointed. However, it is recommended that the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer be elected, and the others appointed by the Chair.

Note that most Chapters operate on a calendar (January-to-December) or a fiscal (July-to-June) year basis. The dates given below reflect a calendar (January-to-December) timetable and may be adjusted to the local situation.

For the election of officers, the Chair appoints a Nominating Committee in September so a slate of nominees may be announced at the October or November meeting. (It is recommended that the Nominating Committee Chair be the Junior Past Chair.) Nominations from the floor at this meeting close the nominations process. The Chair then names the Tellers Committee, holds the election in November or December by mail or at a meeting by ballot, and announces the election results at the December meeting.

Only members of the Society residing in the Section may vote. (Contact IEEE Headquarters for eligibility information.) Fellows, Senior Members, Members, and Associates may vote. Associates may be appointed, but not elected, to office. The terms of the new Officers begin on January 1.

It is important that the Junior and Senior Past Chairs participate in Chapter Executive Committee meetings and to assist/advise Chapter Officers. Board of Governors members living in the area can provide an important additional link to the IEEE Communications Society.

The Chapter should have an Advisory Committee--consisting of past Chapter Chairs living in the nearby area (and still belonging to the Chapter), as well as former Chairs of other Chapters who have moved into the area (and are now members of that Chapter). Junior and Senior Past Chairs shall preside over this Advisory Committee. It is their responsibility to call committee meetings twice a year, or more frequently if they or the current Chair consider it necessary. The Junior and Senior Past Chairs shall also provide liaison and coordination between the Advisory Committee and the Chapter Executive Committee (of which they are members).