Election Information

Warning: This page is currently in draft mode for updates related to the 2024 Triennial elections beginning March 4, 2024. Check back later.

PEF is governed by a leadership model that provides checks and balances and offers every member the opportunity to guide the direction of the union. The highest level of authority is the Annual Convention. Any member in good standing may run to become a delegate to the Convention. You do not need to be a steward or an EBoard member. As the highest governing body, the convention is where policy decisions and constitutional changes can occur. Between conventions, the Executive Board meets quarterly and by special session to make decisions necessary for the governance of the union and to vote on member requests for changes to policy and procedure. The day-to-day operations and governing of the union is handled by the President and other officers with assistance of PEF staff.

Division 357 Stewards

Stewards are members like you who have volunteered to be your first point of contact for the union. Stewardship offers an opportunity to network, ask questions, assist in escalating/reporting issues, be a sounding board, or direct you to additional information. This is a great way to get leadership experience and help your coworkers.

Steward Elections: The petitioning period is currently open for steward positions vacancies in Division 357 through March 19, 2024. See the PEF Elections site for the next election cycle and additional details or contact an EBoard member with questions.

Please consider being a steward for the Division. It is rewarding, grows your skill sets, and helps so many people. All you need is 5 signatures and a willingness to help. We currently have 20+ steward positions available across the state.

Executive Board

Division 357 represents PS&T employees at the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) in both the Administrative (01110) and Institutional (01113) titles. Many do not realize that we represent them since they are in temporary or special project titles. However, the Division represents all PS&T staff in the agency to some degree. Our Division is represented on the Executive Board by up to six (6) members. In order to fully participate in the governance of the union and representation of members, it is critical that these 6 seats be filled with elected and active members. Starting with the 2024 elections, each seat represents specific locations and must be filled by a member in one of those locations. Please review the information below to determine which seat you are represented by and that you can support. Each seat lists the locations included and the minimum number of signatures required for nomination (5% of constituency). If you are asked to sign a nomination form for a candidate, please make sure that they are running for the seat that represents you!

The current Executive Board term ends July 31, 2024. Elections for the next 3-year cycle begins March 4, 2024.

Information on upcoming elections can be found on the PEF website. Here are some direct links to information and help aids.

• PEF Election Information - The elections page on the PEF website provides copies of the election rules and the forms for each position. Use these templates to help avoid invalidated signature pages.

• Petitions will be available at www.pef.org/elections beginning March 2024.

• If you are getting a table at an OGS managed facility, note that the facility manager must be notified 3 weeks in advance to obtain the necessary permissions and arrange for a table and chairs. There is usually no cost, but that may vary by location. Recommended locations for signatures include lobbies or entrances of Harriman Campus Buildings 5, 8, 9, and 12 as well as the picnic area; ESP Concourse by the Corning Tower, Herbies, and Swan Street Tunnel as well as the Plaza vendor area (summer); and 90 Church Street. For other areas, contact an officer for potential locations or signature planning.

• If you want to reserve a table or petitioning space for access to OGS controlled property.  Petitioners are reminded that you may not obstruct the normal operations of the agency or prevent entrance/egress for buildings.  If a table or spot on Harriman Campus, ESP, or other OGS managed property is required, you may use the form available at the following link: https://ogs.ny.gov/space-rental

REMEMBER:

• Reminders:  

  • Always show respect.  You are representing PEF and your agency when you are in public areas.

  • There may be other petitioning for offices at the same time at the same location.  Be gracious and do not make members feel like they are stuck and decide to leave.

  • Do not block entrances or prevent egress.

  • If you are entering an office area, be aware of the culture in that office.  Some places welcome petitioners.  Others require that people go outside to sign petitions.

  • This information is being distributed to ALL stewards.  It is to be shared with ALL members requesting it to maintain a fair competition.  Everyone who wants this information gets it.

• If you are the one collecting signatures, then you must complete the bottom of the form or the entire form will be deemed invalid.

• Individual forms may be submitted with any number of signatures on them from one (1) to twelve (12).

• The information on file is the report provided to PEF by NYS prior to the nomination period. If you have experienced a change in location after that date, then you should sign based on your status on that date.

• Some people have volunteered to carry forms for other candidates. Reach out to the Communications Chair (Traci Scalzo), Division Secretary (Heather Craven), or Council Leader (Christopher Ford) and provide a copy of your petition if you would like assistance.

• You may not use state email or resources AT ALL for petitioning.

• You may not use PEF funds or resources for petitioning unless the information is openly and evenly available to everyone. For example, this page is providing general information useful to all Division members who wish to run. We cannot post forms for specific petitioners.

• Please contact any division officer for assistance.