Dec 2 Update: The vote count is now complete! As of December 2, 2021, 2pm ET, the vote count is complete. In total, 143,044 returned ballot packages were received, and 140,586 valid votes were counted. Out of those 140,586 votes, 50,971 members voted for the delegate voting system (36.3%), and 89,615 members voted for the direct voting system (63.7%).
Nov 29 Update: Voting has now closed! Ballot counting starts today, and be on the lookout soon for the results. In the meantime, you can find more information at the Monitor’s website.
Ballots are now out for the important UAW-wide referendum, 1 Member 1 Vote (1M1V). Make your voice heard and fill yours out ASAP! It’s critical for every member to make your voice heard in this vote, and our ASE and Postdoc Organizing Committees are actively working to connect with as many 4121 members as possible. So once you’ve voted, please also take a second to let the Organizing Committees know you’ve sent in your ballot by filling out this form.
For more information about this important vote, check out the information below or email uaw4121@uaw4121.org.
Click to jump below for more information:
- What is this vote about?
- Why is this vote happening?
- How can I access my ballot?
- What is the voting timeline?
- I didn’t receive a ballot – how can I get a replacement?
- I signed up for membership after 10/19 – how can I get my ballot?
- How can I get more involved?
- What else can we do to continue building a democratic union?
- Where can I find more information?
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What is this vote about?
1M1V would change the way officers of the UAW International Executive Board (IEB) are elected, and is being conducted across all UAW Locals around the country. The referendum asks just one question:
- Whether to keep the current method of electing members of the IEB in which elected local union delegates to the UAW’s Constitutional Convention vote for IEB members, or
- Whether the method should be changed to a direct election by which each UAW member shall directly elect the members of the IEB
Check out this video to learn from fellow UAW members across the country about why this vote matters!
Why is this vote happening?
This referendum is taking place because several years ago, serious corruption was discovered among a number of top International UAW leaders and staff. We joined UAW members across the country in condemning that corruption as a direct affront to our values and legacy as a union, and were encouraged when corrupt individuals were immediately removed from the union. This 1M1V referendum vote is one component of a consent decree ordered by the Department of Justice.
How can I access my ballot?
The vote is being conducted by mail-in ballot. Ballots were mailed out on October 19, so you should get yours within a few days of the 19th. The ballot will be very short and include its own postage, so should just take a second to fill out.
What is the voting timeline?
Ballots were mailed out on 10/19, and your completed ballot must be received by 11/29. You are strongly encouraged to return your ballot by 11/19 at the latest to ensure it is received in time. Our ASE and Postdoc Organizing Committees are actively working to connect with as many 4121 members as possible. So once you’ve voted, please also take a second to let the Organizing Committees know you’ve sent in your ballot by filling out this form.
I didn’t receive a ballot – how can I get a replacement?
Update 11/23: The monitor is no longer sending replacement/new ballots.
If you still haven’t received your ballot a few days after 10/19, take the following steps:
- Update your address with our Local by filling out this form
- Email uawballot@merrimanriver.com or call 855-433-8683 to request your ballot (here’s a template email you can use!)
I signed up for membership after 10/19 – how can I get my ballot?
Update 11/23: The monitor is no longer sending replacement/new ballots.
As long as you sign up for membership by 11/19, you will be able to vote! Between 11/10 and 11/19, we will be updating our membership rosters daily, and the monitor overseeing the election will then mail new ballots daily. If you still haven’t received a ballot by 11/19, we recommend contacting the monitor directly (refer to the previous question).
How can I get more involved?
The ASE and Postdoc Organizing Committees are coordinating our outreach efforts to ensure every 4121 members gets the chance to submit their ballot. To get involved with that ongoing work, contact ase-organizing@uaw4121.org (for ASEs) or uwpubargaining@uaw4121.org (for Postdocs).
What else can we do to continue building a democratic union?
The work to continue building participation and democracy into all levels of the UAW is not limited to this vote alone. That work necessarily requires a comprehensive approach that’s rooted in deep organizing and structural practices that enhance member-driven decision-making. This includes practices we’ve long abided by as a Local (transparent and member-driven budgeting and approvals; prioritizing of majority-based actions and decisions; etc). It also includes work we have already been conducting in coordination with west coast UAW locals in a range of industrial sectors to establish smaller regions within the UAW.
One of the most fundamental things we can do to build a more democratic, fighting union is to continually expand organizing efforts, both in organizing new workers and better organizing existing bargaining units. These are things we’ve been continually improving at our local, and all members are encouraged to help by getting involved with workgroups and organizing committees on an ongoing basis.