Deadline for voting is April 21, 2010

The Sierra Club's national election for the Board of Directors is upon us once more.  The candidates are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot:

Katherine Pendleton (TN) P
Phil Wheeler (CA) N
Jared Duval (CT) N
Jim Dougherty (DC) N
Allison Chin (VA) N
Donna Buell (IA) N
Robbie Cox (NC) N
Jonathan Ela (WI) N

N = Nominating Committee candidate; P = Petition candidate

National Club Election Coming This Spring

The annual election for the Club's Board of Directors is now underway. Those eligible to vote in the national Sierra Club election will receive in the mail (or by Internet for those who chose the electronic delivery option) your national Sierra Club ballot.  This will include information on the candidates and where you can find additional information on the Club's website.

The Sierra Club is a democratically structured organization at all levels. The Club requires the regular flow of views on policy and priorities from its grassroots membership in order to function well.  Yearly participation in elections at all Club levels is a major membership obligation.  Your Board of Directors is required to stand for election by the membership. This Board sets Club policy and budgets at the national level and works closely with the Executive Director and staff to operate the Club.  Voting for candidates who express your views on how the Club should grow and change is both a privilege and responsibility of membership.

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: :

http://www.sierraclub.org/bod/2010election/default.aspx

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

You should use your own judgment by taking several minutes to read the ballot statement of each candidate.  Then make your choice and cast your vote.  Even if you receive your election materials in the mail, please go to the user-friendly Internet voting site to save time and postage. Alternatively, you will find the ballot is quite straightforward and easy to mark and mail.