SOA Election Communication Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to all candidates.
- All personal election-related emails must have the following disclaimer at the top of the email, in an at least 11 point font and size that is clearly readable: “This message is a personal campaign email and is not being distributed on behalf of the Society of Actuaries. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the candidate and do not necessarily reflect those of the SOA.”
- Candidates should include in every election-related communication the opportunity to opt-out of future election-related communications.
- Candidates should not use email or mailing lists for communication purposes that were assembled by the SOA or other actuarial organizations.
- Candidates should be courteous and respectful when sending election campaign communications to eligible voting members. Not all members want to receive such communications, and candidates should limit the number of communications sent.
- Candidates should not use SOA funds or staff resources except as explicitly permitted as part of the normal election process. Candidates will not be able to obtain mailing labels or members’ electronic data from the SOA.
- Candidates should present their individual views on issues clearly so that members may vote with understanding of the differences between the candidates.
- Candidates should campaign individually and may not give the appearance, real or implied, of being part of a slate of candidates.
- Candidates should not endorse other candidates in verbal or written election communications.
- Candidates should be courteous and respectful to the other candidates, and to officers, staff and individual members of the SOA, in all their communications.
- Candidates should ensure that their election communications do not disparage the Society of Actuaries or the actuarial profession.
- Candidates are also encouraged to use non-SOA resources, including social media, to communicate with members.
- The SOA provides some resources to candidates, including SOA hosted webpages and membership-wide emails for all Board of Directors candidates. Details will be provided to candidates when the ballot is determined.
- SOA candidates are expected to be professional in their communications. Candidates should not comment on the qualifications of any other candidate. Whether running as an endorsed or petition candidate, election communications should also be respectful of the SOA election process, including the role of the Nominating Committee, and should not seek to undermine the process or confuse the SOA electorate.
- Candidates should refrain from giving or receiving gifts, or actions that create the perception of giving or receiving gifts, in exchange for votes.