PERC Elections Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the Election Division's Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long does it take to have an election?
A: Elections are typically conducted within 30 days from the date the Commission orders an election and transfers the case to the Elections Division. The time may vary depending on but not limited to the size of the Unit, the desire of the parties involved, the logistics and/or the Elections Schedule.

Q: What happens if only 1/2 of the employees vote in an election? Are the rest of the votes considered ‘No’ votes?
A: The election results are determined by a majority (more than 50%) of the votes that have been cast. For example: if only 5 people voted in a unit of 100, then 3 people could decide the results for everyone in the unit.

Q: What happens in the event of a tie?
A: In the event of a tie, the results would be ‘Status-Quo’. The current situation would remain in effect.

Q: What happens if there is more than one Union involved?
A: There will be a choice on the ballot for either Union as well as a No choice. In order for someone to prevail, they would need more than 50% of the votes that were cast. If none of the choices received more than 50% of the votes, then there would be Run-Off Election between the two choices receiving the highest amount of votes.

Q: Is there always a "No" choice on the ballot and what does it mean?
A: There is always a "No" choice on the ballot, except possibly in a Run-Off Election where the "No" choice was not one of the two highest choices marked. The "No" choice means that you do not wish to be represented for collective bargaining by the Union listed as the other choice(s).

Q: What types of elections are held?
A: Elections may be conducted by mail, on-site, or by any combined method ordered or approved by the Commission.

Q: What is the average turn out or participation for an election?
A: Elections, either on-site or mail both have very good turn outs. On average there is about an 80% - 85% turn out or participation. Often times in small units we will get 100% participation.

Q: Who determines the type of election to be conducted?
A: The Commission's Election Division determines the type of election in most cases. An election agent will consult with the parties involved to try and work out the best method. If any of the parties involved does not agree they may file a motion before the Commission requesting the type of election they desire along with the reasons why. The Commission will then order the type of election to be conducted.

Q: Does the Commission have a provision for Absentee Ballots or may someone vote by an Absentee Ballot?
A: The Commission has no provision for Absentee Ballots. However, the Commission has allowed someone to vote by absentee ballot under certain circumstances. If the employee is on Military leave or is being sent to some sort of function by their Employer, then the Commission has allowed an absentee ballot if requested in writing in advance by one of the parties involved.

Q: How long does a mail ballot election take?
A: Mail ballot elections are typically over a three week period. We allow enough time for employees to receive the ballot packet and be able to return it to the Commission through regular mail.

Q: What is in a mail ballot packet?
A: Inside each mail ballot packet there is a ballot, an instruction sheet, an inner envelope (which the ballot is placed in for secrecy), and a return self-addressed envelope with a control number and line for a signature to verify the person was an eligible voter in the unit.

Q: I am worried someone will know how I voted if I sign the envelope. What will happen if I do not sign the outside of the return envelope?
A: If you do not sign the return envelope, your Ballot will be void and will not be counted. The signature line is used for verification to make sure the ballot was returned by the same person it was sent to. There is a control number that corresponds to the voter eligibility list for each person to insure only those eligibile received and returned a ballot and they only voted once. The marked ballot is placed in a separate envelope with no identifying marks.

Q: How and where is an on-site election conducted?
A: On-site elections are typically conducted at the employees work location. The election agent provides a election booth(s) for privacy so employees may cast their vote in secrecy. The times the polls are open vary depending on the employees work times, but typically over lap the employees' regular work times and to accommodate shift times if needed. There is a PERC Election Agent at each voting location who is in charge to oversee the process and to distribute the ballots to the voters. The PERC Agent is a neutral person who is there to protect the election process and try to maintain ‘labortary conditions’.

Q: Is there a cost in conducting an Election and if so who pays the cost?
A: There is a cost to conduct an Election for both on-site and mail ballot elections. The cost for an election is typically divided equally between all parites involved.

Q: Once an election is completed, what happens?
A: The parties involved have 15 days to file any election objections. If no objections are filed, the Commission then issues an order verifying the results of the election and taking the appropriate action.