MEA Elections

Board of Directors vacancies for election year 2021 exist in the following MEA Board of Directors Election Districts:

3-year terms: E, F, M, O

2-year terms: I, C

See Elections Resources forms below for a list of all local associations within each Board Election District and Attachment I under the “MED” column which lists the Board District

The Board of Directors duties include:

• General interest of the Association.
• Carry into effect all orders and resolutions of the Association not otherwise provided for.
• Appoint and fix the salary of a full-time Executive Director.
• Provide input to the preparation of the Association budget.
• Manage the business and property affairs of this Association.
• Charter governance affiliates: censure, suspend, or expel a governance affiliate pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board; communicate with and report to their constituency policies and actions of the Board of Directors.
• Decide questions arising as to the interpretation of the provisions of this Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules.
• Attend meetings and the annual Board of Directors Retreat, ACT, Bargaining Council and Governance meetings within their district, MEA-sponsored conferences, the MEA Representative Assembly, and national governance meetings and training sessions as approved by the MEA President.
• Serve on various MEA and other committees as requested by the MEA President and shall attend meetings associated with those committees.

Experience in Association leadership is recommended. All candidates should have flexible schedules for evening and weekend meetings and be available to travel occasionally on weekends and during the summer. Public speaking and meeting facilitation experience are highly recommended.

To become a candidate complete the following by January 22, 2021

1. Complete the Notice of Intent.
2. Biographical Sketch Form – for publication in the February edition of the Maine Educator.
3. Submit a color or black and white photo – for publication in the Maine Educator to mea-elections@maineea.org
4. Candidate Campaign Statement – to be published on a separate sheet to accompany the ballot if there is more than one candidate.

Conduct of Elections

MEA will distribute the ballots to local presidents on February 3, 2021 if necessary. Unopposed candidates who seek election to the MEA Board of Directors will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee.

MEA-REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY – Statewide seats open for the following Associations

MEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY CLUSTERS – 1 vacancy in each of the following clusters:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

(check Elections Resources forms below for local associations in clusters)

To become a candidate complete the following by January 22, 2021

1. Complete the Notice of Intent.
2. Candidate Campaign Statement -to be published on a separate sheet to accompany the ballot if there is more than one candidate.

Conduct of Elections

MEA will distribute the ballots to all members in their respective membership categories on February 3, 2021 if there is a contested election. Unopposed candidates who seek election as MEA Representative Assembly delegates/alternates will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee and not have a ballot.

Vacancies for election year 2021 exist for local associations for Representative Assembly delegates/alternates.Elections Resources forms below lists delegate/alternate allocations for all local associations and the names of the delegates/alternates whose term have not expired.

To become a candidate:

1. Complete the Notice of Intent/Certificate of Election Form. Submit the form to your local president by January 22, 2021.

Conduct of Elections

The local association will distribute ballots to all members if the number of Notices of Intent received exceeds the number of vacancies allocated to the local association. Unopposed candidates who seek election as MEA Representative Assembly delegates/alternates will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee.

NEA Representative Assembly District Delegates and Alternates

(Election conducted by MEA)

NEA Representative Assembly District vacancies exist for delegates and alternates for District 20, 27, and 30 for a one-year term for election year 2021.

Candidates must be a member of a local association in the district which they are running for. On the Representative Assembly Delegate/Alternate Vacancy list in the resources listed on the website to find the code listed under the “NED” column. Or find the same NEA district code on NEA Elections District resources listed on the website which lists all the local associations within the NEA districts. All candidates interested in becoming a district delegate or alternate may run for a delegate or alternate seat.

To become a candidate complete the following by January 22, 2021

1. Complete this Notice of Intent Form
2. Biographical Sketch Form for publication in the February edition of the Maine Educator.
3. Submit a color or black and white photo – for publication in the Maine Educator to mea-elections@maineea.org
4. Candidate Campaign Statement – to be published on a separate sheet to accompany the ballot if there is more than one candidate.

Conduct of Elections

MEA will distribute the ballots to local presidents on February 3, 2021 if necessary. Unopposed candidates who seek election as NEA Representative Assembly At-Large Delegates and Alternates will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee

Guidelines for funding state delegates to the NEA RA as follows:

1. Delegates are expected to arrive at the NEA Representative Assembly prior to the first Maine caucus and to remain throughout the entire convention.
2. Delegates are expected to attend all Maine caucus meetings at the Representative Assembly.
3. Delegates are expected to be in attendance at all business sessions of the NEA Representative Assem
4. Delegates are expected to inform themselves appropriately and to participate in the voting process at the NEA Representative Assembly.
5. Delegates are encouraged to make an appropriate contribution to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education.
6. Delegates are expected to coordinate with the MEA Leadership Team to assist in coverage of the NEA Representative Assembly committee meetings that precede the opening session of the NEA Representative Assembly.
7. Delegates may be excused from some sessions for official NEA-RA activities, illness, or other reason at the discretion of the Caucus Chair.

Adopted October 2007

There are 6 NEA Representative Assembly At-Large delegate vacancy and 1 alternate vacancy for 2 -year term for election year 2021.

To become a candidate complete the following by January 22, 2021.

1. Complete the Notice of Intent Form
2. Complete Biographical Sketch Form for publication in the February edition of the Maine Educator.
3. Submit a color or black and white photo – for publication in the Maine Educator to mea-elections@maineea.org
4. Candidate Campaign Statement to be published on a separate sheet to accompany the ballot if there is more than one candidate.

Conduct of Elections

MEA will distribute the ballots to local presidents on February 3, 2021 if necessary. Unopposed candidates who seek election as NEA Representative Assembly At-Large Delegates and Alternates will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee. Runners up will become alternates.

Guidelines for funding state delegates to the NEA RA as follows:

1. Delegates are expected to arrive at the NEA Representative Assembly prior to the first Maine caucus and to remain throughout the entire convention.
2. Delegates are expected to attend all Maine caucus meetings at the Representative Assembly.
3. Delegates are expected to be in attendance at all business sessions of the NEA Representative Assembly.
4. Delegates are expected to inform themselves appropriately and to participate in the voting process at the NEA Representative Assembly.
5. Delegates are encouraged to make an appropriate contribution to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education.
6. Delegates are expected to coordinate with the MEA Leadership Team to assist in coverage of the NEA Representative Assembly committee meetings that precede the opening session of the NEA Representative Assembly.
7. Delegates may be excused from some sessions for official NEA-RA activities, illness, or other reason at the discretion of the Caucus Chair.

(Election conducted by MEA)

An election for MEA President (Be advised: the office of MEA President is a full-time position) for a three (3)-year term will take place at the 2021 MEA Representative Assembly. The President is the chief policy officer of the Association and the duties include:

• The President acts as the official spokesperson
• Presides at all general sessions, all sessions of the Board of Directors, and the Representative Assembly
• Fulfills constitutional duties of the office
• Promotes the MEA Legislative program in the Legislature
• Provides testimony to the Legislature for all MEA bills
• Appoints members to committees
• Serves as the First Alternate National Education Association Director
• Serves as delegate to the Representative Assembly
• Attends PROM meetings
• Visit and communicate with local affiliates
• Attend NEA Board meetings
• Serve as an ex officio member on all standing committees, ad hoc committees, and Board of Directors sub-committees
• Attend all MEA conferences, and NCSEA meetings
• Participate in NEA Northeast Regional activities
• Plans caucus meetings at the NEA Representative Assembly

Experience in Association leadership is recommended. All candidates should have flexible schedules for evening and weekend meetings and be available to travel extensively on weekends, on school breaks, and during the summer. Public speaking and meeting facilitation experience are highly recommended.

For Publication in the Maine Educator a candidate must complete the following:

1. Complete the notice of intent: Deadline: January 22, 2021
2. Complete the Biographical Sketch : Deadline: February 14, 2021 – for publication in the April issue of the Maine Educator.
3. Submit a color or black and white photo:- Deadline: February 14, 2021 – for publication in the Maine Educator to mea-elections@maineea.org

As per the change in the Standing Rules from the 2020 RA, to be considered as a candidate for any Association office elected by the Representative assembly, Notice of Intent must be filed with the Executive Director no later than April 22, 2021.

Conduct of Elections:

Elections for candidates for MEA Vice President will be conducted by the MEA at the MEA Representative Assembly on May 23, 2021. Unopposed candidates will be declared elected by the MEA Representative Assembly.

(Election conducted by MEA)

An election for MEA Vice President for a three (3)-year term will take place at the 2021 Representative Assembly.

Duties of the Vice President include:

• Preside at all general sessions if needed under the direction of the President,
• Attend all sessions of the Board of Directors and the MEA and NEA Representative Assembly, Leadership Team meetings,
• Fulfill constitutional duties of the office,
• Attend PROM meetings,
• Visit and communicate with local affiliates,
• Serve as an ex officio member on all standing committees, ad hoc committees and Board of Directors sub-committees, serve as Trustee on the MEA Benefits Trust,
• Attend MEA conferences and NCSEA meetings,
• Participate in NEA Northeast Region activities,
• Promote the Legislative program in the Legislature,
• Serve on the MEA PAC committee,
• Serve as second alternate NEA Director
• Fulfill constitutional duties of the office as well as fulfill all other duties as assigned by the President.

Experience in Association leadership is recommended. All candidates should have flexible schedules for evening and weekend meetings and be available to travel extensively on weekends, on school breaks, and during the summer. Public speaking and meeting facilitation experience are highly recommended.

For Publication in the Maine Educator a candidate must complete the following:

1. Complete the notice of intent: Deadline: January 22, 2021
2. Complete the Biographical Sketch: Deadline: February 14, 2021 – for publication in the April issue of the Maine Educator.
3. Submit a color or black and white photo:- Deadline: February 14, 2021 – for publication in the Maine Educator to mea-elections@maineea.org

As per the change in the Standing Rules from the 2020 RA, to be considered as a candidate for any Association office elected by the Representative assembly, Notice of Intent must be filed with the Executive Director no later than April 22, 2021. 

Conduct of Elections:

Elections for candidates for MEA Vice President will be conducted by the MEA at the MEA Representative Assembly on May 23, 2021. Unopposed candidates will be declared elected by the MEA Representative Assembly.

(Election conducted by MEA)

An election for MEA Treasurer for a three (3)-year term will take place at the 2021 Representative Assembly.

Duties of the Treasurer includes:

• Chair the Strategic Budget Committee,
• Attend all sessions of the Board of Directors and present the monthly Treasurer’s Report at those sessions,
• Attend the MEA Representative Assembly to present the proposed Strategic Budget and to chair the Strategic Budget Committee for amending said budget as needed,
• Attend Leadership Team meeting and AIM meetings to explain the Strategic budget process
• Attend PROM meetings to present the proposed Strategic budget,
• Visit and communicate with local affiliates,
• Serve as an ex officio member on all standing committees, ad hoc committees and Board of Directors sub-committees, attend MEA conferences,
• Attend NCSEA meetings,
• Participate in NEA Northeast Region activities,
• Attend the NEA Representative Assembly,
• Promote the Legislative program in the Legislature,
• Fulfill constitutional duties of the office
• Fulfill all other duties as assigned by the President.

Experience in Association leadership is recommended. All candidates should have flexible schedules for evening and weekend meetings and be available to travel extensively on weekends, on school breaks, and during the summer. Public speaking and meeting facilitation experience are highly recommended.

For Publication in the Maine Educator a candidate must complete the following:

1. Complete the notice of intent: Deadline: January 22, 2021
2. Complete the Biographical Sketch: Deadline: February 14, 2021 – for publication in the April issue of the Maine Educator.
3. Submit a color or black and white photo:- Deadline: February 14, 2021 – for publication in the Maine Educator to mea-elections@maineea.org

As per the change in the Standing Rules from the 2020 RA, to be considered as a candidate for any Association office elected by the Representative assembly, Notice of Intent must be filed with the Executive Director no later than April 22, 2021.

Conduct of Elections:

Elections for candidates for MEA Vice President will be conducted by the MEA at the MEA Representative Assembly on May 23, 2021. Unopposed candidates will be declared elected by the MEA Representative Assembly

The following vacancies exist for retired members for delegates and alternates to the Maine Education Association Representative Assembly.

Delegates – 4 vacancies

• (4) 3-year terms

Alternates – 9 vacancies

• (4) 3-year terms
• (4) 2-year terms
• (3) 1-year term

Members of the MEA-Retired are eligible to file as candidates for delegate and/or alternate delegate seats.

To become a candidate complete the following by January 22, 2021 by 4:30 pm 

1. Complete the Notice of Intent Form .
2. Complete the Biographical Sketch (MEA Representative Assembly-Retired) which will accompany the ballot.

Conduct of Elections:

MEA will distribute ballots to all retired members in February should an election be required. Unopposed candidates who seek election for MEA Representative Assembly delegate/alternate delegate will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee.

Six (6) statewide vacancies exist for delegates to represent the MEA-Retired at the NEA Representative Assembly for one-year (1) terms. Per the MEA-Retired Constitution, two (2) vacancies for delegates are held by the MEA-Retired President and President-Elect. Their alternates, in order, shall be the Secretary, Information Coordinator, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and the Immediate Past President.

To become a candidate complete the following by January 22, 2021

1. Complete the Notice of Intent.
2. Complete the Biographical Sketch which will accompany the ballot.

Conduct of Elections:

MEA will distribute ballots to retired members in February should an election be required. Candidates may run for delegate or alternate delegate positions. Delegates shall be ranked according to the highest number of votes received. If there is more than one candidate for a delegate position, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes becomes the delegate. The candidate receiving the second highest number of votes will become the first alternate delegate, and so on. A candidate may also run for an alternate seat only. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes becomes the first alternate, and so on. However, if there is more than one candidate for the delegate position, the candidates running for alternate seats would succeed a candidate who receives the second highest number of votes for the delegate position, and so on. Unopposed candidates who seek election for NEA Representative Assembly delegate/alternate delegate will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee.

As a member of the Maine Education Association, you are eligible to run to serve as a delegate to MEA Representative Assembly The Representative Assembly (RA) is a meeting of elected representatives (delegates) at which decisions are made by the delegates about matters important to the association and members. This event provide opportunities to become better acquainted with the association, education issues and network with fellow educators. Student delegates are elected by other student members in Maine.

MEA Representative Assembly

The MEA Representative Assembly has an opening for one student delegate and one student alternate delegate to participate in the annual meeting. Students who wish to become candidates should be available to attend the MEA Representative Assembly. Funding is provided by MEA for the delegate to attend and it includes: mileage to and from the meeting site, overnight accommodations (double occupancy), and all meals. If the delegate cannot attend, the alternate will then attend. Terms are for one year.

To become a candidate complete the following by March 15, 2021

1. Complete the Notice of Intent
2. Complete the Candidate Campaign Statement which will accompany the ballot if there is more than one candidate.

If more than one candidate applies for either position to the MEA Representative Assembly, then a statewide election will be conducted by MEA among Student MEA members. MEA will distribute the ballots after the deadline. Unopposed candidates who seek election as an MEA Representative Assembly delegate or alternate will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee.

FOR CANDIDATES FOR STUDENT FOR NEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY

As a member of the Maine Education Association, you are eligible to run to serve as a delegate for the NEA Representative Assembly. The NEA Representative Assembly (RA) is a meeting of elected representatives (delegates) at which decisions are made by the delegates about matters important to the association and members. Both of these events provide opportunities to become better acquainted with the association, education issues and network with fellow educators. Student delegates are elected by other student members in Maine. If you are interested, please read the information below and follow the instructions thoroughly on the attached documents about the events and how to run to be a delegate.

NEA Representative Assembly

The Maine Education Association has an opportunity for one student from Maine to participate in the National Education Association Representative Assembly as a delegate and also to attend NEA’s Student Leadership Conference. Any Student MEA member is eligible to become a candidate for delegate or alternate to represent the MEA students at the NEA Representative Assembly. The elected student NEA RA delegate must plan to attend the NEA Student Leadership conference as well. The student delegate will also attend the NEA Representative Assembly along with the delegates from Maine.

To become a candidate complete the following by March 15, 2021

1. Complete the Notice of Intent
2. Complete the Candidate Campaign Statement which will accompany the ballot if there is more than one candidate. 

If more than one candidate applies for either the delegate or alternate position to the NEA Representative Assembly, then a statewide election will be conducted by MEA among Student MEA members. MEA will distribute the ballots after the deadline. Unopposed candidates who seek election as an NEA Representative Assembly delegate or alternate will be declared elected by the MEA Elections Committee.