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Plan to Vote

Your SOA, Your Vote

Voting for the SOA Bylaw changes is coming soon! Get ready to help shape the future by planning to take part in the upcoming vote this October 13–24. The Bylaw changes will be voted on as one package by FSAs. The proposed updates are interconnected and work together to support the governance process. For example, to create a more representative Board, there needs to be an objective and transparent candidate evaluation process that aligns Board needs with candidate skills and experiences.

Voting Process

All eligible FSAs will be sent a notice of the upcoming election at least 30 days before voting opens. The SOA will use the same process as Board elections today. Eligible FSAs will receive an electronic ballot via email from an independent vendor, and they will be asked to vote for or against the Bylaw changes. Two-thirds of voters must vote for the Bylaw change, or at least 10% of eligible Fellows, whichever is greater. Voting is confidential and anonymous, and votes are counted by an independent vendor.

Results

Certified results will be available several days after the voting period closes. Voting results are sent to a team of SOA leaders to review and verify. The results will be communicated to members through an email announcement and other SOA communications, including the SOA website and on social media.

Bylaw Change and Implementation FAQs

 

FSAs are voting on all changes to the Bylaws that affect their substantive rights. The changes that must be approved include:

  • Changing the Board size
  • Separating the role of President and Chair
  • Making ASAs, who have been members for five or more years, eligible to sit on the Board (limit of two)
  • Making ASAs, who have been members for 5 years or more, eligible to vote for Bylaws amendments
  • Adding non-actuaries to the Board (limit of two)
  • Setting a minimum of two seats for members outside the U.S. and Canada
  • Changing the number of nominated candidates for a regular Board seat to one
  • Changing the member voting process for regular Board seat to a “for/against” vote

Some of the changes, such as the creation of a Member Leadership Advisory Council and International liaison role as well as the shift from the Nominating Committee to the Board Recruiting and Selection Committee, do not require member approval.

No. ASAs who have been members for 5 years or more do not have the authority to vote on Bylaw amendments.

All Board members elected in 2025, including the President-Elect, will complete their full terms. Changes such as the reduction in Board size will be phased in over time, ensuring stability and continuity.

There will be several phases of implementation:

  • October 13-24, 2025: Members will vote on Bylaw changes.
  • 2026 Election Cyle: The Member Leadership Advisory Council will be created, and there will be expanded Board eligibility. Starting with the call for nominations, the updated candidate evaluation process, and “for/against” voting will be incorporated, along with the International Liaison role.
  • 2027: The Board will select a Chair for the first time, separating the roles of President and Chair, as recommended.

No. The timing of the Board elections will not change.

View all FAQs