| Results of the Referendum to Update the African Studies Association Bylaws | |
During its Spring Meeting, the African Studies Association voted to hold a referendum to update the ASA's Bylaws to better reflect current realities and to ensure fulfillment of the Internal Revenue Service Governance Requirements for Non-Profit Organizations. On May 8, 2007 referendum ballots were mailed to the 1583 ASA members who renewed their membership on or before April 22, 2007. The ASA Bylaws require a 20% return, or 317 ballots. The Secretariat received 819 valid ballots on or before the June 29, 2007 referendum return date, for a return rate of 51.7%. The Referendum Committee conducted the ballot count at the ASA Secretariat on July 2, 2007. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the referendum results: 1] The Bylaws currently may only be changed by mail vote. This referendum seeks to allow the use of an electronic ballot. Do you agree to this change? Yes: 768 No: 31 Abstain: 17 Spoiled ballots: 0 Blank ballots: 3 Total: 819 ballots A 2/3 "Yes" vote (i.e., at least 541 ballots) has been achieved; 93.8% of respondents voted "Yes." The Bylaws may now be changed by electronic ballot. 2] The Bylaws currently reflect an ASA fiscal year of July 1 - June 30. This referendum seeks to change the fiscal year to January 1 - December 31 in keeping with the Association's budget and audit practices. Do you agree to this change?
No: 9 Abstain: 15 Spoiled ballots: 0 Blank ballots: 3 Total: 819 ballots A 2/3 "Yes" vote (i.e., at least 541 ballots) has been achieved; 96.7% of respondents voted "Yes." The ASA fiscal year is now January 1 - December 31. Click here for additional information. The ASA Board of Directors wishes to thank the ASA members who served on the Referendum Committee: Esperanza Brizuela-Garcia (Montclair State U) and Roger Gocking (Mercy College). The referendum count was observed by Elizabeth Ciccone (ASA Senior Program Manager), Sunita Jagtiani (Rutgers University), and Carol L. Martin (ASA Executive Director). Carol L. Martin, PhD Executive Director | |
