IEEE Policies

13.3   Elections and Electioneering

1. IEEE Policy.  Electioneering activities to provide information to the members on candidates and issues are encouraged.  It is the policy of IEEE to inform all members of the views of all candidates in the elections of IEEE, including candidates nominated by petition.  It is the policy of IEEE to facilitate open discussion, including opposing views, of issues and initiatives to appear on the ballot (Constitutional amendment and referendum); this applies to those proposals originated by the IEEE Board of Directors as well as those of other members of IEEE.
   
   Discussion of the qualifications of candidates for office are permitted.  Opinions on initiatives may be presented which relate electioneering issues to the interests of the members.
   
   A candidate photograph in connection with IEEE election activities shall have been made within two years of the mailing deadline of the election materials in which the photograph will appear, as attested to by the candidate.
   
   
2. Electioneering Guidelines for IEEE Organizational Units.  Subject to rules or policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the governing body of each IEEE organizational unit shall be responsible for establishing guidelines to implement the electioneering policy of IEEE in the best interests of the members of that organizational unit.  Operating units of each organizational unit are accountable to this governing body to conduct electioneering activities in accordance with the guidelines.  The Region/Division Director or other member of the IEEE Board of Directors responsible for each organizational unit is ultimately accountable to the IEEE Board of Directors to resolve questions concerning conformance of the guidelines with the IEEE electioneering policies.
   
   
3. Means of Informing Members of IEEE Organizational Units. Members may be informed of the candidates’ views and of issues pertaining to initiatives through Board/Society/Council/Region/Section or Chapter meetings, conferences and publications. Equal opportunity shall be provided to all candidates for the same elective position. The editor, conference chair or other individual responsible for the activity shall determine the information to be presented or published, within the guidelines established by the governing body of that organizational unit, provided all candidates are treated equally. 
   
   
4. IEEE SPECTRUM and THE INSTITUTE.  The Publication Services and Products Board is responsible to define guidelines to the editors of IEEE SPECTRUM and THE INSTITUTE to ensure conformance with these IEEE electioneering policies.  The Vice President - Publication Services and Products is accountable to the IEEE Board of Directors for implementation and supervision of the policy.
   
   
5. Paid Political Advertising.  Paid political advertisements in any IEEE publications, whether related to an IEEE or any other office, are not allowed.