Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About
The Annual Certification Elections Being Conducted
February 2-22, 2012
Who is conducting these elections?
The Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (WERC) has the legal responsibility to conduct the elections.
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?
In the next couple years, it is likely that 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.
Who is the AAA?
The American Arbitration Association is a nationally renowned neutral private organization with many years of experience conducting elections for unions and employers-including by telephonic balloting.
Why am I voting by telephone?
Telephone voting is easy, secure and cost effective.
How will I cast my ballot by telephone?
Call 1-866-458-9862 (toll free) anytime between Thursday February 2 and noon Wednesday February 22. After providing information that will allow the computer to verify that you are an eligible voter (the first four letters of your last name and the last four digits of your social security number), you will be asked the following question:
Do 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.
To view a graphical outline and script of the telephone voting process [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.
Will anyone know if I don’t vote?
Yes. A list of the employees who did and did not vote will be available after the 20 calendar day balloting period ends. The list is needed to insure that the vote results are accurate.
How long do I have to vote?
20 calendar days from the start of the voting period. To view a flowchart of the annual certification process, [click here].
Can I change my vote after it is cast?
No.
What if I have trouble using the telephonic voting system?
Call 1-800-529-5218 during the hours of 8 am to 4:00 pm Monday-Friday.
When will the election results be known?
Within a day or two of the end of the 20 day balloting period. To view a flowchart of the annual certification process, [click here].
Other Questions?
Send them to Peter Davis at peterg.davis@wisconsin.gov
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This page is a public domain communication of the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission. The URL of this page is {{http:\\werc.wi.gov\answers_re_february_2012_annual_elections.htm}}. Last modified 25 FEB 2012. Comments, questions and suggestions.