Your Featured NALA Member Benefit: Electing NALA Leaders

Every year, NALA holds an election for open positions on the Board of Directors. The positions elected by members are Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Area 1 Director, Area 2 Director, Area 3 Director, and two At Large Directors. The directors serve two-year terms, and the officers serve one-year terms. Active type members in good standing 45 days before the Annual Membership Meeting are eligible to vote.

Voting within NALA is a vital responsibility that empowers you to shape your organization’s future and ensure it reflects your collective values and needs. By participating in the election of Board members, you have a direct voice in selecting leaders who will guide strategic decisions, advocate for the paralegal profession, and enhance member benefits. This process strengthens NALA’s governance and fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among voters, reinforcing the democratic principles that underpin professional growth and community.

Eligible NALA members can declare their candidacy for a position on the Board of Directors by submitting the candidacy packet by March 15^th. If they qualify to be on the slate of candidates, they have until the end of March to send in the additional required information. In early April, candidates are listed on NALA’s Get Involved page, along with details of their qualifications.

In a contested election, we encourage eligible voters to review each candidate thoughtfully and thoroughly before deciding who to vote for. NALA holds a Virtual Candidate Forum before voting opens in June to aid in this decision-making process. During this live event, each candidate can make their case for being elected. This is a great opportunity for voters to get to know the candidates beyond how they look on paper. The event will also be recorded and posted to NALA’s YouTube channel for anyone who cannot attend live.

After the Virtual Candidate Forum, voting opens for approximately three weeks. NALA uses a vote-submit-confirm process. Eligible voters receive an email inviting them to vote with a link to the ballot. Once they click the link and make their selections, they must submit their choices. After that, they will receive another email asking them to confirm their vote. It is imperative that they confirm their vote, or else it will not be counted.

Election results will be announced during the Annual Membership Meeting at conference. Remember, your vote contributes to building a leadership team that represents diverse perspectives and works toward advancing NALA’s mission and vision. Be sure to cast your vote to make your voice heard.