While the rest of the country may be captivated by that other election, members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are gearing up for our own annual election. Every year, Academy members vote for a President-elect, Treasurer-elect and various other positions with expiring term limits. This year’s ballot – open Feb. 1 to Feb. 22, 2016 — includes 13 contested positions for the Academy’s Board of Directors, the House of Delegates, Nominating Committee and Commission on Dietetic Registration. Additionally, during this election season you may also be asked to vote for positions in the Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs) of which you’re a member.
So yes, your ballot might be several pages long — and yes, you’re busy — but that’s no reason to ignore it! Here are three reasons why you should vote in this year’s Academy elections.
We Face Many Very Important Issues
If you want to have your voice represented, the best way for to do that is to vote for the candidates you feel best represent your point of view. For the President-elect, you can watch the candidates’ two-minute videos and do additional online research to make an informed decision. Most other positions allow you to click on the candidate’s information so you can see, in the candidate’s words, what he or she believes.
If You Don’t Vote, You Can’t Complain
Sorry, but you lose that privilege by not casting a ballot. And, I know there are a lot of Academy members who take note of Academy decisions and actions. I know you have it in you to go online and check a few boxes. Which is why…
The Election Committee Has Made it Even Easier to Vote this Year.
Just go to eatrightPRO.org/elections, login and cast your vote. If you’re in a time crunch, you can even vote for a few positions, save your ballot and come back later to finish it up and submit it. Just be sure you submit your completed ballot before the final deadline on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016.
The Academy is only as strong as its member base, and we are 75,000-plus members strong. Show some pride in your profession and spend a few minutes voting in this year’s Academy election. 
