A secret ballot runoff election for eligible UVM staff members to vote on the question of staff unionization will take place on November 13 and 14 from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in Marsh Lounge, Billings Center, at 48 University Place on the University of Vermont campus. (See the VLRB's Runoff Election Notice for full details.)

In the runoff election, there will be a single question on the ballot, followed by two choices:

• Question: Do you wish to be represented for exclusive bargaining purposes by University Staff Union–NEA?
• Answer: Yes or No. (See the VLRB's Runoff Election Notice for full details.)

For background information and links to all documents from the Vermont Labor Relations Board, see the Informed Choice Overview page.

List of Employees Who Are Eligible to Vote

The list of employees eligible to vote in the November 13 and 14 runoff election has been posted on both the HRS site and the Informed Choice site. A physical copy has been posted on the bulletin boards inside the College Street entrance to the Waterman Building. Any person whose name is not on the list and believes that it should be on the list may apply to the Labor Relations Board (mailing address: 133 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633-6101; fax number 802-828-2392) for a ruling as to whether or not s/he will be permitted to have his or her name added to the list of individuals eligible to vote in the election. Such application shall be made by Wednesday, October 24.

Provision for Mail Ballots

The following individuals are eligible to vote by mail ballot:

• Extension employees
• Biomedical equipment technicians/technician seniors
• Staff who work in Colchester
• Staff whose primary work location is outside of Burlington

Mail ballots will be sent by the VLRB to the individuals listed above on October 25 and must be received by the VLRB no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, November 9. (See the VLRB's Runoff Election Notice for full details.)

Provision for Absentee Ballots

Any employee who will not be present at the time and place set for the election as a result of a longterm illness, previously-scheduled vacation, paid or unpaid leave of absence, scheduled assignment away from the University of Vermont campus, or because s/he believes it will be impractical to vote in person in the election due to participation in the Financial Planning for a Secure Retirement seminar series scheduled the week of the election at the University, may secure an absentee ballot by making a written request to the VLRB. (See the VLRB's Runoff Election Notice for further information.)

Parking Near Billings Center

There will be reserved parking places on University Place near Billings Center during the election. The parking places will be marked as "Reserved for Voting." In addition, there will be reserved parking spaces in the Votey Lot, behind Ira Allen Chapel.

Get Out and Vote

An election is won by getting a simple majority of the vote. (A simple majority is defined as 50% plus one of those who cast a vote.) For example, if there are 200 employees in the potential bargaining unit, but only 100 employees vote, it takes 51 votes to win the election. Every ballot counts!

Since this is such an important decision with far-reaching consequences, the University strongly encourages all eligible voters to weigh their options, make an informed choice, and participate in the upcoming election.