Voting: Make Your Voice Heard
With the fall of 2020 quickly approaching, USJersey customers and their families will soon be seeing the commercials and advertisements surrounding the 2020 elections. At a young age, Americans are taught the importance of voting and how it makes our voices heard in this large world.
The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) will be holding elections of their own in less than a month. Eight individuals have been nominated to serve in leadership positions for these national Jersey organizations―seven for the AJCA and one for the NAJ Board of Directors.
How it Works
The AJCA Board consists of an elected President and 12 Directors. These individuals are responsible for establishing Association policies and programs, setting fees, authorizing expenditures, hiring the Executive Secretary and Treasurer, and are overall responsible for the well-being of the Association. Only active members of the Association can be elected for these positions. An active member is designated as someone who has registered or transferred to their ownership a Jersey animal
NAJ is structured a little different. Composed of 11 Directors, five who are elected by the voting members in the District they represent, three are appointed by the AJCA Board, and three ex-officio Directors. The ex-officio Directors are the AJCA President and chairs of the AJCA Finance and Development committees. The NAJ President is elected from the Board by the directors. The responsibilities of the NAJ Board are similar to the AJCA Board.
Each of boards meets three times a year: March, June and November. In addition to the scheduled meetings, conference calls and meetings within their territory may be additional time requirements. It is a large commitment for each individual, along with a large responsibility.
What are They Doing?
They’re representing YOU the membership. Therefore, it is your responsibility to vote or nominate individuals you feel will make the voices of Jersey breeders heard. It’s important to read and learn about each candidate and make an informed decision prior to voting.
You can read more about the nominated president and directors in this article: AJCA and NAJ Directors to be Elected. Featured here are the biographies of all the individuals nominated for the 2020 election. It is highly encouraged you take the time to learn more about each of the candidates, but especially those with opponents so you can make informed voting decisions.
How do I Vote?
This week every active member of the AJCA or NAJ should have received a paper ballot or email with directions for electronic voting. 2020 will be the first time electronic voting is utilized by the USJersey organizations, so allow for patience as we work through this together. To vote electronically, you must have a unique email on file with the AJCA. For example, if everyone associated with your farm account has the same email listed but you’re all members, only one of you will receive the email.
If this is the case and you would like an vote electronically, contact Sam Oswalt, Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary, by email or phone at 614/861-3636. She will input your information into the system so you can cast an electronic vote. Electronic voting opened on May 27, 2020, at 8:00 a.m., and will close on June 26, 2020, at noon (EDT).
