You can boost member voting in officer elections

Division leaders have been submitting candidates in the APA election system since January. Each candidate submitted gets an email from elections@apa.org with a unique link to supply their statement. Candidates have until April 3 to submit their 250-word statements. Voting will take place from April 15 to May 14, 2026. 

For a membership-based nonprofit society, officer elections play a defining role in shaping the organization’s future. Yet motivating members to vote can be challenging. Fortunately, many organizations—large and small—have found creative, effective ways to strengthen turnout. Below are some strategies, each grounded in practical examples from real associations and voting organizations. 

Explain why voting matters

Organizations that clearly connect participation to governance have shown measurably stronger engagement in their constituencies. Third Party Votingopens in new window suggests, “Host informational meetings, distribute easy-to-read guides, or share video explainers to highlight why elections matter.” (About half of the divisions are electing one or more APA council representatives this year. Learn more about representation on Council.)

Share multimedia candidate profiles

Brief video introductions or Q&A features help members feel more connected to candidates. In similar contexts, according to Survey & Ballot Systemsopens in new window, organizations that adopt social media tools for candidate visibility have seen increases in voter involvement through clearer, more engaging communication.

Leverage peer influence and leadership voices

Board members and committee chairs can activate their networks. In many organizations—including those examined in broad voter-turnout case studiesopens in new window—peer-based encouragement has proven influential in motivating participation.

Communicate early and often

Voting members can look for emails from APA.Election@intelliscanvotes.com.

Provide clear, comparable candidate information

Ballots sent by APA will have links to statements provided by the candidates.

Use targeted, timely reminders

APA will send weekly reminder emails throughout the voting period.

Make voting easy through technology

In addition to the emails APA sends out, voting members can access their ballot through a “2026 Division and SPTA Election Ballot” link on their MyAPA page.

Personalize outreach

APA provides a ballot that is personal to each voting member, showing only the divisions and SPTAs and positions they can vote for.

By following these examples and adapting them to your own culture, your division can significantly strengthen voter participation and member engagement. When voting becomes easy, engaging, and connected to the organization’s mission, members are far more likely to take part and help shape the leadership that guides their shared future. Please contact your division engagement liaison if you have any questions.