Emma Lamb’s Post

HAVE YOU VOTED YET? It only takes a few minutes. GBTA Member Exclusive Benefits -Voting for the GBTA Board of Directors elections is now open! Now is the time for all of us to make our voices heard. For GBTA to be truly global, it takes global candidates and global votes. Please vote in favor of the bylaw change! This will expand the global GBTA Board to include direct representation from LATAM and APAC, just as it does for the US, Canada, and Europe. By voting, you can help shape the direction of GBTA and our industry. It only takes a few minutes. Take a look at the Candidates here: https://lnkd.in/gWnq-H_R Didn’t receive your specific voting email link? Check your spam folders. If not found, contact Election Services Corp. by email at gbtahelp@electionservicescorp.com Questions? Contact Shane Downey at sdowney@gbta.org or Election Services Corp. by email at gbtahelp@electionservicescorp.com.

Did you already cast your vote for the Global Board! If not, there is still time - as voting is open till 25 June ;v) It is through our actions that we mold the future. Take the future of GBTA into your own hands. Make sure that your views and geographies are represented. Vote for your Board representatives! This year voting is also about an important Bylaw change allowing LATAM and APAC to be directly represented in the global GBTA Board. Just as it is the case for US, Canada and Europe. Please vote in favor of the Bylaw change! By voting you can help shape and form the direction of GBTA and our industry. And it only takes a few minutes ;v) - View the Candidates>> https://bit.ly/3yhFB3g - Did you not receive the voting email? Check your spam folders. If not found, contact Election Services Corp. by email at gbtahelp@electionservicescorp.com - Questions? Please contact Shane Downey at sdowney@gbta.org or Election Services Corp. by email at gbtahelp@electionservicescorp.com #GBTAElections #VoteNow

Why you should vote in the European elections: Using your right to vote represents a way of exercising your citizenship. It allows citizens to protect their freedom and make democracy work. Voting is an obligation, a responsibility In Belgium, each person registered on a list of voters is summoned and must present themselves at the polling station in their constituency. In the event of abstention, the person may be subject to a sanction ranging from a simple reprimand to a fine. Voting is a duty Every citizen has the duty to take part in political life in general. Voting allows you to influence future political decisions that will directly or indirectly affect the future of voters. Voting offers the possibility of choosing representatives Each citizen cannot elect candidates in whom they trust, those with whom they share the same opinions, the same values and the same vision. The important thing is to compare the programs of the different parties in order to determine which one carries our ideas. Voting is important for all types of elections Whether municipal, regional, legislative or European elections, every ballot counts. The right to vote is the result of a long struggle During the first Belgian elections in 1831, the right to vote was only reserved for wealthy men aged over 25. Since then, the system has evolved significantly. Following numerous demonstrations and strikes, equal voting rights for everyone have existed since 1948, regardless of voters' income. Not voting means giving others the chance to decide for us. Participating in elections allows you to give your opinion, to make your own choice on the future of a municipality, a region, a country and therefore on your own future. Abstention does not allow you to express your voice, to be heard by future leaders. Voting is a personal and secret choice The voter alone determines the candidates he decides to elect. He/She has no obligation to reveal his choice to anyone. The objective? Identify your priorities in the different electoral programs without being influenced by people around you. Voting is a thoughtful act The important thing is to take the time to find out what each political party is proposing. Listening to debates, reading programs, participating in discussions are examples of sources of information that allow everyone to elect the candidate(s) who correspond to them.

In California's Homeowner Associations (HOAs) governance landscape, the integrity of community elections is paramount. The position of an election inspector serves as a cornerstone, ensuring that these elections are conducted fairly, transparently, and efficiently. This role not only supports the democratic process within communities but also reinforces trust and compliance in HOA governance. #communities #elections #governance #HOA

Mayoral Memo 137 As we approach the Local Government elections on 14 September, it’s important for our community to understand the concept of the “caretaker mode” and why it was originally introduced. This period, which began on 16 August and ends on election day, is a critical time for maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process. The caretaker period is a unique time in Local Government. It ensures that the business of the Council continues to run with a ‘business as usual’ approach in the lead up to an election. The State Government introduced the concept of the caretaker period to safeguard the democratic process and to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Councils that are in caretaker mode are restricted from making major decisions that could bind future Councils and entering into significant contracts involving the expenditure of more than $150,000 or one per cent of rates revenue, whichever is larger. These restrictions are outlined in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Section 393B. In addition, Council must not determine a controversial Development Application (DA), which is defined as a DA having received at least 25 submissions during community consultation. Note that the caretaker mode applies to all three levels of government but the rules differ. In particular, the local government caretaker process differs from the state government caretaker period. While both are designed to ensure fairness during elections, the local government caretaker period is specifically tailored to the needs and functions of local Councils. In contrast, the State Government caretaker period, which comes into effect during state elections, involves different protocols. Despite these restrictions, Councillors and the Mayor can still undertake their normal duties and roles during the caretaker period. Continuing to exercise the official functions in the lead up is not just permissible but entirely appropriate. Mayors and Councillors may continue to attend or preside over Council arranged or community events in their official capacity. Day-to-day operations of the Council continue as usual, and Councillors are still responsible for representing their constituents, attending Council meetings, and addressing community concerns. However, the guidelines are clear that Councillors should not use their official positions to promote their election chances.

SWAPO aims for landslide election victory:: (Photo by: Joseph Nekaya) NAMPA The Swapo party secretary for information, Hilma Nicanor, says the party wants a landslide victory in the upcoming elections. Nicanor called on all party members, supporters and sympathizers to go out in numbers and register for voter cards, for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections. In a statement dated 30 May, Nicanor directed party structures at all levels, in the regions, districts, branches affiliates and wings to ensure they mobilise the members by encouraging them to go register from 3 June to 1 August. “Our collective and primary objective is to ensure a landslide victory for the Swapo Party and its Presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Let us go out there and mobilise our members, supporters, the young and the old. To march towards a decisive victory by getting registered as voters,” she urged. Nicanor stressed that patriotic Namibians must ensure that the party retains its mandate and continues steering the country to the desirable destination while also working hard to create a better future for Namibians. She said the Swapo campaign theme is: Unity in diversity; natural resources, benediction and youth empowerment for sustainable development”. “As a revolutionary party that stood the test of time and broke the jaws of colonialism, we will be heading into the elections as a united front and will continue to build the Namibian House. Nicanor emphasised that a democratic process requires eligible registered voters to stand up and exercise responsibility in order to be counted. Nicanor is adamant that the upcoming elections present a significant opportunity to make meaningful and tangible progress on the socio-economic development of the country and to improve the lives of the people as well as unlock the maximum potential of the people to realise their hopes and aspirations. Report by: Martin Endjala

As the upcoming elections in South Africa approach on Wednesday, we join in prayer for the safety and integrity of the voting process. It is crucial that we come together in prayer for the safety and fairness of the electoral process. We must unite in the hope that this democratic event unfolds peacefully and with integrity. It is a time when the nation's future direction hangs in the balance, and every vote counts towards shaping the path ahead. Ensuring the smooth running of elections is essential for upholding the principles of democracy. With the eyes of the nation upon the voting ballots, the responsibility lies not only with the officials but also with the citizens to participate actively and ensure a transparent and credible process. Transparency in the electoral process builds trust among the populace and strengthens the democratic foundation of the country. Peaceful elections are a reflection of a stable and united society. When the voting process is conducted without any disruptions or violence, it signifies a mature democracy where differences are resolved through peaceful means. This serves as an example not only to the nation but also to the international community, showcasing the strength of the country's democratic institutions. Fairness in elections is crucial to guaranteeing that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. It is imperative that all eligible citizens are given equal opportunities to participate in the electoral process without any form of discrimination. Upholding the principles of fairness ensures that the outcome of the elections truly represents the will of the people. Let us stand together in prayer and solidarity as South Africa approaches this critical moment in its democratic journey. May the upcoming elections be a testament to the nation's commitment to democracy, peace, and unity.

French Left Triumphs in Elections, Unexpectedly Defeating Far Right In a surprising turn of events, the French left-wing coalition, New Popular Front, secured a majority in parliament, leaving the far-right National Rally in third place. Voter turnout reached levels not seen in decades. Read more about this political upset: [link]. French Left Coalition Triumphs in Historic Election Upset In a dramatic turn of events, the French left-wing coalition, known as the New Popular Front, has emerged victorious in the recent parliamentary elections, defeating the far-right National Rally and claiming a majority of seats. This unexpected result has sent ripples through the political landscape of France and has been the top trending news on Google searches today. Record Voter Turnout The election, held on July 7, 2024, witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout, with participation rates not seen in decades. This high level of civic engagement highlights the growing public interest and […] https://lnkd.in/d4AynhDw

British election races differ significantly from American presidential campaigns due to distinct political systems, electoral processes, and cultural contexts. In Britain, elections are centered around local constituencies, with candidates vying for individual seats in Parliament. This stands in stark contrast to American presidential elections, which are predominantly national in scope, emphasizing party affiliations and broader […]

British election races differ significantly from American presidential campaigns due to distinct political systems, electoral processes, and cultural contexts. In Britain, elections are centered around local constituencies, with candidates vying for individual seats in Parliament. This stands in stark contrast to American presidential elections, which are predominantly national in scope, emphasizing party affiliations and broader […]