By-Laws Update Proposal

Introduction

The following amendments to the organization’s By-Laws include focus on clarifying and improving the process of electing officers. These amendments will be discussed for possible adoption at the ATA General Membership Meeting on March 9, 2023.

Clarification on the Election process

The current By-Laws do not state a deadline by which residents should sign up for or renew their membership in order to participate in the election of officers. It also does not include any past participation requirement for individuals who seek to hold office. Lastly, the by-laws call for the election to take place during the September General Membership meeting, which in practice proved to take too long.

Article VIII – Election

Current By-Laws: 

Section 1: All active members shall be eligible to vote and to hold any elective office, or to serve in any appointed position.

Section 2: Election.  Election of Officers shall be held every two years at the September general membership meeting.

Proposed revised By-Laws:

Section 1: All active members who meet the following requirements shall be eligible to vote and/or to hold any elective office:

a: Residents who wish to vote in the election must sign up for or renew their membership 30 days prior the election date. As such, new member sign-ups or renewals will not be processed at the election meeting.

b: In order to be eligible to run for office, a member must have attended at least one ATA in-person meeting or official community event that year.

Section 2: Election. Election of Officers shall be held every two years at a stand-alone meeting separate from typical agenda topics to be held at some point between the September and December general membership meetings.