Articles

Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator Election
Official Announcement
by Martin Belcke
1:232/10, 1:232/16, mbelcke@ws02.irvbbs.com

To The Members of Fidonet, Zone 1.

In compliance with a directive from the Zone 1 Coordinator, an election for the position of Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator has commenced. The Region Echomail Coordinator Council (RECC) was charged by the Z1C with the task of organizing the election process. In the process of discharging that endeavor, the RECC was faced with several tasks, among which included the duties of the Z1EC, selecting an election coordinator, defining the rules for the election and setting the time-frame for the election.

The first task (defining the duties of the Z1EC) was accomplished with input from the Z1 RECC and members of Fidonet, Zone 1. Those duties are as follows:

***** BEGIN DUTIES *****

At the pleasure of the Z1C, the duties for the Z1EC shall be:

1) Coordination between the Z1 echomail distribution systems

2) Coordination of the RECC and with the Zone 1 RECs.

The ZEC is the chairperson of the RECC. He or she shall bring ideas to the RECC and moderate the discussion of ideas. He or she shall also act as a tie breaker in the event of a tie vote. The RECC may overturn a ZEC proposed action or idea with a 2/3rds vote of the RECC.

If the RECC concludes that the ZEC is not active, ineffective in his or her job or not taking care his or her responsibilities per this list; they may take a vote of no-confidence. If the vote of no- confidence passes with 2/3rds majority, the RECC will refer this issue to the Z1C for mediation or action as the Z1C sees fit.

The ZEC shall be allowed to take issue with RECs that are not participating or doing their job, by taking the matter up with the host RC of the REC's region and the Z1C for mediation or action.

These two actions shall NOT be taken lightly without all due consideration of possible extenuating circumstances.

3) Coordination with the other ZECs.

4) Central repository of information for the various Z1 distribution systems.

5) Mediation of Zone 1 echomail issues/disputes.

6) Upper level mediation between Moderators, Fidonet distribution systems on related echomail issues.

7) Coordination with the Echolist Keeper.

8) Help in the formation and implementation of a Zone/Fido-wide Echomail policy. The ZEC shall work in conjunction with the RECC on this issue, so that the REC's can take this information to their respective regions for feedback.

9) Term(s) of no more than 2 years. No limit on number of terms

10) Codify, with the RECC, the procedure for future ZEC elections. All future elections are subject to review by the Z1C.

11) Provide for an interim Z1EC, should anything happen to currently seated Z1EC to prevent him/her from fulfilling these duties. The single duty of the interim Z1EC shall be to expedite an election and the smooth transition to the next Z1EC. The interim ZEC shall refer to the Z1C for help with problems if the RECC cannot resolve said issue(s).

***** END OF DUTIES *****

The second task (selecting an election coordinator) was accomplished with input from the Z1 RECC and members of Fidonet, Zone 1. The election coordinator selected is Martin Belcke (1:232/10 and also 1:232/16). An assistant to the election coordinator was also selected. The assistant is Lisa Gronke (1:105/16).

The third task (election rules) was accomplished by the election coordinator with input from the Z1 RECC and members of Fidonet, Zone 1, by posting draft copies of election rules in the REC's administrative echo, as well as posting draft copies in the public election echo Z1_ELECTION. Following discussion, the election rules were modified as needed until a final draft was presented to the RECC and the Z1C for approval.

The result of the vote was as follows:

Approved: Z1C, REC10, REC11, REC12, REC14, REC15, REC17, REC18
Against : REC13, REC19
Abstain : NONE
No Vote : REC16

The rules for the Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator election are:

******** BEGIN RULES ********

The following rules are in affect for the Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator election.

1) NOMINATIONS

Any member of Fidonet Zone 1 may nominate any member of Fidonet Zone 1 for the position of Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator. The nomination may be made by netmail (direct or routed), may be posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo, or may be sent by any other method at the discretion of the election coordinator. Nominations must be addressed to the election coordinator and must include the name and node number of the person making the nomination and the name and node number of the proposed candidate. Any nomination that does not contain the above information will be declared invalid. Any nomination received by the election coordinator via any method, other than posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo, will be posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo by the election coordinator. This shall serve as acknowledgment of receipt by the election coordinator of the nomination.

Once a nomination has been received by the election coordinator, the proposed candidates name will be added to the list of prospective candidates. This list will be posted from time to time in the Z1_ELECTION echo showing the status of the nomination.

Any member of Fidonet Zone 1 may second a nomination for the position of Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator. The second may be made by netmail (direct or routed), may be posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo, or may be sent by any other method at the discretion of the election coordinator. Seconds must be addressed to the election coordinator and must include the name and node number of the person making the second and the name and node number of the proposed candidate. Any second that does not contain the above information will be declared invalid. Any nomination received by the election coordinator via any method, other than posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo, will be posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo by the election coordinator. This shall serve as acknowledgment of receipt by the election coordinator of the second.

In the event that the election coordinator receives two nominations for the same person, the first one received shall be considered the nomination and any subsequent received shall be considered the second.

Once a nomination, or second, has been received by the election coordinator, that nomination, or second, cannot be revoked by the nominator or seconder.

The proposed candidate must acknowledge acceptance of the nomination by sending a message via netmail (direct or routed), by posting an acceptance in the Z1_ELECTION echo, or by any other method at the discretion of the election coordinator. The acceptance must be received by the election coordinator prior to the beginning of the campaign period. Any acknowledgment received by the election coordinator via any method, other than posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo, will be posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo by the election coordinator. This shall serve as acknowledgment of receipt by the election coordinator of the acceptance.

At the conclusion of the nomination period, the election coordinator shall post a list of all duly nominated, seconded, and accepted candidates. These shall be the only candidates eligible for election.

The proposed candidate must appear in the Fidonet nodelist as published prior to the beginning of the nomination period. Allowance for errors in the nodelist may be made at the discretion of the election coordinator, but in all cases, a valid Fidonet nodelist must be used.

2) CAMPAIGN PERIOD

Following the nomination period, a period shall be allowed for each candidate to campaign for the position. During this period, questioning of the candidates is encouraged. Flaming of the candidates is discouraged and may result in action accordingly by the moderator of Z1_ELECTION. The campaign period is to be civil. This includes candidates. Discuss the issues.

3) VOTING PERIOD

Following the campaign period, a period shall be allowed for each eligible voter to cast his/her vote. Votes must be sent via direct netmail to the election coordinator, or by any other method at the discretion of the election coordinator. Votes must be sent during the voting period and must include a keyword/password, name and node of the person voting (as it appears in the Fidonet nodelist) and the name of one of the candidates on the election slate. If preferential balloting is being used, then more than one candidate may be listed in order of preference. Any vote received that does not contain the above information will be declared invalid and the ballot will not be counted. Any vote cast that uses a method not approved will be declared invalid and the ballot will not be counted.

Any vote received prior to or after the voting period shall be disallowed. The election coordinator shall acknowledge each vote by netmail (direct or routed), or by any other method at the discretion of the election coordinator, with a simple statement that the vote has been received and recorded.

In the event there are more than two candidates, the voting method shall be that of preferential balloting.

Any member of Fidonet, Zone 1 is eligible to vote, under the following criteria. Nodes beginning with the keyword of ZONE, REGION, HOST, HUB, or DOWN or nodes that are redundant entries are not eligible. One vote for sysops with more than one node. One vote for nodes with more than one person listed at that node. Nodes listed as PVT or HOLD are eligible.

The Fidonet nodelist published prior to the beginning of the voting period shall be the primary nodelist to determine eligible voters. Allowance for errors in the nodelist may be made by the election coordinator, but at all times a valid Fidonet nodelist must be used.

4) TALLYING OF VOTES

Following the voting period, the election coordinator shall tally the votes, verifying any vote that is questionable by netmail (direct or routed) or by any other method available, at the discretion of the election coordinator, until the election coordinator is satisfied that all votes have been correctly identified and recorded. The results of the election shall then be sent to the Zone 1 Coordinator for his approval. The Zone 1 Coordinator may overturn the election at his discretion. If the Zone 1 Coordinator does not overturn the election, the election coordinator shall announce the results of the election in the Z1_ELECTION echo by posting the keyword/password and vote. At no time shall the election coordinator divulge the name or node number directly associated with the keyword/password without the approval of the Zone 1 Coordinator.

NOTE: For clarification purposes: The posting of the results would consist of no less than two messages, one containing an alphabetic listing of keywords/passwords with associated vote and the other containing a numerical listing (by node number) of those who voted. The two lists would not be directly associated.

In the event a tie vote occurs, the Zone 1 Coordinator shall break the tie or may remand the election to a run-off between the candidates who received the most number of votes.

5) CONTESTING OF VOTES

Following the tallying of the vote, a period shall be allowed for contesting of the vote. A valid contest must be sent via netmail (routed or direct) or by any other means available, at the discretion of the election coordinator. The contest must be sent to the election coordinator and must state the grounds for contesting the vote. The election coordinator shall issue a decision pertaining to the contest, remanding the decision to the Region Echomail Coordinator Council for action. After the RECC has voted, by clear majority vote of the REC's who vote, the election coordinator shall remand the action to the Zone 1 Coordinator for final action and shall announce the result of the contest in the Z1_ELECTION echo.

At the conclusion of the period for contesting, if no valid contest has been received, the election coordinator shall declare the election process concluded and remand the results to the Zone 1 Coordinator for final action.

****** COPYRIGHT NOTICE ******

These rules are copyright (c) 1997 by Martin Belcke. Permission to use is granted to anyone, as long as the contents are not altered and this copyright notice is not removed or altered.

******** END OF RULES ********

The fourth task (time-frame for the election) was accomplished by presenting a suggested time-frame to the RECC and the members of Fidonet, Zone 1, for approval. After discussion of the suggested time-frame, the following time-frame was approved:

******* BEGIN TIME-FRAME *******

NOMINATIONS - - - - - - -  Dec  8 - Dec 28 (3 weeks)
LAGTIME - - - - - - - - -  Dec 29 - Dec 31 (3 days)
CAMPAIGN  - - - - - - - -  Jan  1 - Jan 15 (2 weeks)
LAGTIME - - - - - - - - -  Jan 16 - Jan 18 (3 days)
VOTING  - - - - - - - - -  Jan 19 - Feb  8 (2 weeks)
LAGTIME - - - - - - - - -  Feb  9 - Feb 11 (3 days)
TALLY - - - - - - - - - -  Feb 12 - Feb 15 (3 days)
ANNOUNCE TALLY  - - - - -  Feb 15
CONTESTING  - - - - - - -  Feb 15 - Feb 28 (2 weeks)
LAGTIME - - - - - - - - -  Feb 28 - Mar  2 (3 days)
ANNOUNCE RESULTS  - - - -  Mar  3

The LAGTIME periods are to allow for transit delays for messages.

******* END TIME-FRAME *******

The following are the only valid methods for messages directed to the election coordinator for the Z1EC election being held from December 8, 1997 through March 3, 1998.

NOTE: DIRECT netmail is the only method that guarantees that the message arrives at its destination the same as sent. Routed netmail is, at best, taking a chance that the message will not arrive, or may be altered in transit.

Echomail addressed TO: Martin Belcke posted in Z1_ELECTION Echomail addressed TO: Election Coordinator posted in Z1_ELECTION NOTE: Echomail voting is not allowed.

Direct netmail to Martin Belcke 1:232/10
Routed netmail to Martin Belcke 1:232/10
Direct netmail to Election Coordinator 1:232/10
Routed netmail to Election Coordinator 1:232/10

Direct netmail to Martin Belcke 1:232/16
Routed netmail to Martin Belcke 1:232/16
Direct netmail to Election Coordinator 1:232/16
Routed netmail to Election Coordinator 1:232/16

Internet e-mail to mbelcke@ws02.irvbbs.com (preferred)
Internet e-mail to mbelcke@irvbbs.com
Internet e-mail to Martin.Belcke@irvbbs.com
Internet e-mail to election.coordinator@irvbbs.com

Subject line should indicate either NOMINATION, SECOND, ACCEPTANCE, BALLOT or PROTEST. If you use the above method, it will make it a lot easier for the election coordinator and would be appreciated.

NOTE: All messages must contain the following information in order to be considered a valid message:

1. Node number of person sending message, as it appears in the applicable Fidonet nodelist.
2. Name of person sending message, as it appears in the applicable Fidonet nodelist.
3. If a nomination or second, items 1 and 2 and the node number and name, as it appears in the applicable Fidonet nodelist of the person being nominated or seconded.
4. If a vote, items 1 and 2 as well as a keyword/password and a valid candidate name. If preferential balloting is being used, then a list of candidates in order of preference.
5. If a protest, items 1 and 2 as well as specific details of the grounds of the protest.

For Nominations:

Anything that even looks close to a message addressed to the election coordinator that has been posted in the Z1_ELECTION echo would be considered, as long as the message contains the required information. I do not plan to try and second guess anyone as to whom they are referring when making a nomination, nor do I plan to have to look up a name in the nodelist to determine the node number. If the required information is not in the nomination, then it is not a valid nomination and would so be stated, thus allowing the person to make the nomination again, if within the applicable time-frame.

Following the CONTESTING PERIOD, if no valid contest has been received, the final outcome of the election process is to be announced in the Z1_ELECTION echo, and any other echos as necessary, as well as in the FIDONEWS.

Please turn on the echo Z1_ELECTION so that you may be able to participate in the election process. All members of Fidonet, Zone 1 are eligible to participate. During the election process, the moderatorship of the Z1_ELECTION echo will be handled by Lisa Gronke (1:105/16) as the ELISTed moderator is also the election coordinator.

This announcement is respectfully submitted to you, the members of Fidonet, Zone 1, and serves as the official announcement of the election process for Fidonet Zone 1 Echomail Coordinator. Thank you for your time and look forward to seeing you participate in the election.

--Martin Belcke--
Election Coordinator, Z1EC election
Fidonet Node 1:232/10
Fidonet Node 1:232/16
primary e-mail mbelcke@ws02.irvbbs.com