National Club election coming this spring

The annual election for the Club's Board of Directors will soon be under way. In March eligible voters will receive in the mail (or by Internet if you have chosen this option) your national Sierra Club ballot. This will include information on the candidates.

The San Francisco Bay Chapter recommends a vote for Jerry Sutherland, Sanjay Ranchod, and Allison Chin in the upcoming election for the Sierra Club's Board of Directors.

As a democratically structured organization at all levels, to function well the Club requires the regular flow of views on policy and priorities from its grassroots membership. Voting for Board candidates who express your views on how the Club should grow and change is both a privilege and responsibility of membership. The Board sets Club policy and budgets at the national level and works closely with the executive director and staff to operate the Club.

Starting in 2007 only regular and life members are eligible to vote in the national Club election. Introductory members (i.e., members who have not renewed their Club membership prior to Jan. 31) are not eligible to vote in the national Club election. This change does not apply to chapter and group elections, in which all classes of membership remain eligible.

Members frequently state that they don't know the candidates and find it difficult to vote without learning more. You can learn more by asking questions of your group and chapter leadership and other experienced members you know. Visit the Club's election website

This site provides links to additional information about candidates, and their views on a variety of issues facing the Club and the environment.

Read the ballot statement of each candidate, exercise your judgment, and cast your votes. The ballot is quite straightforward. A growing number of members find the user-friendly Internet voting option to be very convenient as well as saving postage.