Frequently Asked Questions About

Annual Recertification Elections

 

 


Who is conducting these elections?

 

The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) has the legal responsibility to conduct the elections. To view a flowchart of the annual certification process, [click here].

 

Who is the WERC?

 

The WERC is the neutral State agency responsible for administering Wisconsin’s collective bargaining laws.

 

Does the WERC have experience conducting elections?

 

WERC has been conducting elections since the late 1930s.

 

Why is the WERC using the American Arbitration Association (AAA) as part of the election process?

 

The American Arbitration Association is a nationally renowned neutral private organization with many years of experience conducting elections for unions and employers. The WERC will be conducting hundreds of elections with thousands of voters all within very tight time frames. Because WERC is a small agency with many other responsibilities aside from conducting elections, it needed the help of another neutral organization.

 

Why am I voting by telephone or online?

 

Telephone and online voting are both easy, secure and cost effective.

 

How do I cast my ballot by telephone or online?

 

Call 1-866-307-3545 (toll free) or log on to www.electionsaaa.org/, anytime during the election period.

 

If you are voting online you will need to enter the organization ID (WERC) and provide your individual Personal Identification (PIN) to verify that you are an eligible voter.  If voting over the phone, you will need to enter your individual Personal Identification (PIN) to verify that you are an eligible voter. Then you will be asked if you want to continue to be represented by (the name of your current union) for the purpose of collective bargaining.

 

You will then be instructed on how to vote “yes” or “no” and asked to confirm your choice.  After you confirm your choice, your vote will be electronically cast. You must confirm your choice for your vote to be cast.

 

To view a graphical outline and script of the telephone voting process [click here].

 

To view a graphical outline of the online voting process [click here].

 

To view step-by-step instructions of the online voting process [click here].

 

 

How do I obtain my individual Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

 

You will receive a letter with voting information, which will include your individual Personal Identification Number (PIN). The letter will be mailed to the address you have on file with your employer, most likely your home address. Please ensure your employer has your most current address.

 

To view a sample mailer and letter [click here].

  

Will anyone know how I voted?

 

No. Your vote will be electronically recorded and no one (including AAA and WERC) will know how you voted.

 

If I don’t vote, is that the same as voting “no”?

 

Yes.

 

How long do I have to vote?

 

20 calendar days from the start of the voting period.

 

Can I change my vote after it is cast?

 

No.

 

What if I have trouble using the voting system?

 

Call the AAA HelpDesk at 1-800-529-5218 during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday during the election period.

 

When will the election results be known?

 

Within a day or two of the end of the 20 day balloting period.

 

Other Questions?

 

Contact Peter Davis at peterg.davis@wisconsin.gov

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