There’s no doubt our world is in a state of flux, and we are forced to change our definition of the “new normal” daily. Consequently, NJREA elections will be undergoing some adjustments as well. Cancellations of meetings, state and county REA luncheons and our annual NJREA Convention have caused the NJREA Elections Committee to review the nomination and endorsement procedures.
The NJREA election policy states that anyone running for an NJREA officer position must have 15 signatures on his/her petition. The same holds true if a member is planning to run for either NJREA representative or NJREA alternate to the NJEA Delegate Assembly. The election of retiree delegates to the NEA Retired Conference (NEA-R) and the NEA Representative Assembly (NEA-RA) also has specific requirements.
In the wake of the pandemic and social distancing requirements, both the NJEA and NJREA elections committees are in the process of making recommendations to their respective governing bodies about how petitions and endorsements will occur for the 2021-23 elected positions. Once finalized, the details will be posted on both the NJEA and NJREA websites. However, note that NJREA’s adopted policies on candidates’ photograph requirements and the length of candidates’ statements for publication in the March NJREA Newsletter will not change. Paper ballots still will be mailed in the spring and must be returned by dates yet to be determined.
Members are urged to visit njea.org/njrea frequently, as well as to be on the lookout for more elections information in the upcoming issues of the NJREA Newsletter.