To the Members of MHIMA,
Our national election for AHIMA is just days away from the polls opening. Please continue to read on: this is not a message imploring you to increase the votes this year. This is an important message to inform you of the current state of the AHIMA Ballot prior to the polls opening.
This year, the MHIMA Board of Directors and Delegates felt compelled to write to you in anticipation of the upcoming election. We recently learned of two unique differences in this year’s ballot than years past. Collectively we felt our role was to inform the members of the facts so that you may make an informed decision when it comes time to vote.
The Nominating Committee’s Role:
First, let’s review the volunteers and roles associated with pulling a national ballot together. The AHIMA Nominating Committee is charged with selecting candidates nationally for open board positions for the upcoming year who have the skills to further the AHIMA Mission, Vision, Values and strategic plans. This process is very structured and labor intensive. Just as the MHIMA Nominating Committee is, the committee members are both elected and appointed positions.
The first unique change to the ballot: President-Elect Position:
The AHIMA Policies and Procedures for the Nominating Committee specify there should be two (2) candidates for the President-Elect position. This year, the first unique change to the ballot is that only one (1) candidate for the President-Elect position was presented by the Nominating Committee.
On a national Delegate call, we heard from the Nominating Committee Chair that the committee felt that after review of the candidates, only one exemplified the necessary skills to be President-Elect. The Nominating Committee asked the AHIMA Board of Directors for their support in recommending that only one candidate is placed on the ballot and the board agreed. Per the “2019 AHIMA Ballot Frequently Asked Questions” document on the AHIMA website, the Nominating Committee’s “…intent was not to eliminate voter choice by selecting a single candidate but to ensure that AHIMA will have the most effective leadership during a time of transition.”
The second unique change to the ballot: Speaker of the House Position:
In addition to the President-Elect role, another unique change to the ballot this year was for the Speaker of the House position. Once again, the Nominating Committee recommended one candidate for the ballot for similar reasons, stating “there was one exemplary member who possessed the skills and background necessary to most effectively fill the role at this pivotal time.” The Nominating Committee did not need to take this to the AHIMA Board of Directors for approval as the policies and procedures do not specify that more than one candidate must appear on the ballot.
AHIMA’s Response for the President-Elect Position:
Following the news of this change, many CSAs, members and Delegates have voiced their concerns regarding the ballot, to include on AHIMA’s Engage forum, LinkedIn, CSA webpages and more. The AHIMA Board subsequently decided that the ballot should provide the opportunity for a write-in candidate for the President-Elect Position to allow the members to identify and support a member of their choice.
Response for the Speaker of the House Position:
The AHIMA Board does not have any oversight or authority for the Speaker-Elect position as they are elected by the House of Delegates. Based on member feedback, the Speaker of the House of Delegates has recommended that there be two candidates on the ballot for the Speaker-Elect position. The Speaker-Elect position is voted on by the House of Delegates and will not appear on the general ballot for the membership. This occurs in August, between the 5th and 16th.
We recommend reviewing the attached Special E-Alert and FAQs for the 2019 AHIMA Ballot. We hope you found this information helpful. Your entire MHIMA Board and Delegates have been listening, gathering and collaborating together and with our AHIMA Liaison, Mindy, to provide the members with a factual overview for you to consider when making your election choice.
If you have not already seen the ballot, AHIMA Volunteer Services sent an e-blast with a “Get to know the candidates” message. The polls will be open for election between July 8th and July 22nd.
Please feel free to reach out to any of the MHIMA Board members or Delegates if you have any questions.
Thank you,
The MHIMA Board & Delegates