Agility Committee Election Regulations
6.5 THE AGILITY COMMITTEE ELECTION REGULATIONS
6.5.1 Title
These Regulations shall be cited as Dogs Victoria Agility Committee Election Regulations.
6.5.2 Objective
The objective of these Regulations is to set out procedures for election and appointment to the Agility Committee of Dogs Victoria.
6.5.3 Authorising Provisions
These Regulations are made under Clause 1.5.24 of the Constitution of Dogs Victoria.
6.5.4 Returning Officer
The Chief Executive or nominee shall act as Returning Officer.
6.5.5 The Committee
The Agility Committee shall consist of between five (5) and nine (9) elected persons. The Committee shall elect its own Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson from within the committee, annually. (Amended 15/08/24)
6.5.6 Term of Office
From 2006 onwards the normal term of office shall be two years, commencing from the first of August. Retiring members are eligible for re-election subject to Rule 2.84, except that a member may only serve for 6 consecutive years after which a retiring member may not stand for re-election for a period of two years.
6.5.7 Nominations
6.5.7.1 A person wishing to be a candidate at an Election must before twelve o’clock noon on the nomination day deliver or cause to be delivered to the Returning Officer, a nomination form naming that person as a candidate at the Election. Such form shall be completed in all detail and shall be on the prescribed form. Any person eligible to vote may propose or second a candidate.
6.5.7.2 A personal profile form duly completed may be lodged with the nomination form, such profile to consist of not more than 400 words. Should the statement exceed 400 words the excessive words will be deleted from the end of the statement. Where a profile is submitted, it will be supplied to members registered on the Agility Electoral Roll, with the dispatch of Ballot Papers.
6.5.8
Criteria for Nomination
6.5.8.1
Any Dogs Victoria member as described in Rule 2.6.1 who has trained and trialled a dog to an Agility Dog title and one pass to Agility Dog Excellent title within the previous 4 years shall be eligible to nominate for the Agility Committee, or
6.5.8.2 Any Dogs Victoria member as described in Rule 2.6.1 who has trialled a titled dog to an Agility Dog title and one pass to Agility Dog Excellent title, and is a bono fide competitor in Agility having competed in at least 20 Agility classes in the previous 4 years shall be eligible to nominate for the Agility Committee.
6.5.8.3 Eligible members will be invited through the Gazette to nominate for office.
6.5.9 Polling
6.5.9.1 At least fourteen days before the poll closes, the Returning Officer shall send by post, in an envelope addressed to each voter:
6.5.9.1.1 the Ballot paper for the Election, duly signed or initialled by the Returning Officer;
6.5.9.1.2 an envelope for the Ballot Paper, and a return envelope bearing the Returning Officer’s address;
6.5.9.1.3 a profile of Candidates where applicable.
6.5.9.2 An election shall not be invalidated by reason that Ballot Papers have been forwarded to members not entitled to vote or have not been sent to members registered to vote, unless in the opinion of the Returning Officer this may have affected the result of the Election.
6.5.10 Eligibility to Vote
6.5.10.1 There shall be an Electoral Roll of voters. The Electoral Roll will be compiled by the Chief Executive or nominee through Dogs Victoria Gazette and having enrolled, a voter may vote for the discipline(s) for which the member is eligible according to that enrolment. Eligibility to vote must be certified as correct by the Chief Executive.
Agility Committee Election Regulations
6.5.10.2 To be eligible to be placed on the Agility Electoral Roll voters must be Ordinary, Dual or Life members of Dogs Victoria and have been a bona fide participant in at least 10 Agility Trials in the past two years in any one or more of the following capacities – Competitor, Judge, Trial Secretary, Timer, Scribe.
6.5.11 Scrutineers
A candidate may nominate a Scrutineer. The nomination must be in writing addressed to the Chief Executive and must be received before the time the Ballot closes.
6.5.12 Return of Ballot Papers
The completion and return of ballot papers shall be in accordance with the instructions forwarded with the ballot papers. Ballot papers completed otherwise than in accordance with the instructions must not be counted. The decision of the Returning Officer as to validity or invalidity of any vote or Ballot Paper is final.
6.5.13 Issue of New Ballot Papers
If a voter gives to the Returning Officer a written declaration to the effect that the voter has not received a Ballot Paper or that the Ballot Paper received has been lost, spoilt or destroyed and that the voter has not already voted, the Returning Officer may issue a new Ballot Paper.
6.5.14 Scrutiny and Count
The scrutiny of the count will be based on Regulations for Management Committee Election.
6.5.15 Adjournment of Scrutiny and Count
The Returning Officer may from time to time adjourn the scrutiny and/or count of votes to a day and hour fixed by the Returning Officer.
6.5.16 Casual Vacancy
6.5.16.1 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, within six months prior to the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the vacancy shall be filled at such election. If the original term still has two years to be completed then the successful candidate shall be elected for that period.
6.5.16.2 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, more than six months before the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the Management Committee may appoint a committee member subject to Regulation 6.5.6, to hold office until the next agility committee election.
6.5.16.3 In the event that insufficient nominations are received to fill the vacant positions, Management Committee shall invite members participating in Agility as defined in these Regulations to nominate one eligible person for each vacant position. The Management Committee shall select from the nominations one person to fill each position and selected person/s shall see out the duration of the original term/s.
6.5.17 Voting System
The votes are to be counted under the Proportional Representation Voting System.
6.5.18 Recounts
Within seven days of being notified of the result of an election any candidate may by request in writing addressed to the Returning Officer, request a recount setting forth the reasons or upon the Returning Officer’s own motion, the Returning Officer may make a recount of the votes.
6.8.18 Timetable for Elections
The following timetable for the Election will apply: -
April Gazette Agility Committee Election Regulations published.
May & June Gazettes Enrolment for Electoral Roll announcement and nominations called for
June date to be set Electoral Roll and nominations close at 12 noon
July date to be set Ballot Papers and profiles dispatched to persons on the Electoral Roll
July date to be set Ballot Closes at 4.00 p.m.
August Gazette Result of Election published
Herding Committee Election Regulations
6.8 THE HERDING COMMITTEE ELECTION REGULATIONS
6.8.1 Title
These Regulations shall be cited as Dogs Victoria Herding Committee Regulations
6.8.2 Objective
The objective of these Regulations is to set out procedures for election and appointment to the Herding Committee of Dogs Victoria.
6.8.3 Authorising Provisions
These Regulations are made under Clause 1.5.24 of the Constitution of Dogs Victoria.
6.8.4 Returning Officer
The Chief Executive or nominee shall act as Returning Officer, and shall not be a candidate in the election.
6.8.5 The Committee
The Herding Committee shall consist of six (6) elected persons. The Committee may elect its own Chairperson, and Deputy Chairperson, from within the committee, annually.
6.8.6 Term of Office
The normal term of office for elected members shall be four years, commencing from the first of August. Retiring members are eligible for reelection. There shall be bi-annual elections for half the Committee. The bi-annual (2016) election will be determined by the electoral process and result of the 2014 election as approved by Management Committee.
6.8.7 Nominations
6.8.7.1 A person wishing to be a candidate at an Election must before twelve o’clock noon on the nomination day deliver or cause to be delivered to the Returning Officer, a nomination form naming that person as a candidate at the Election. Such form shall be completed in all detail and shall be on the prescribed form. Any person eligible to vote may propose or second a candidate.
6.8.7.2 A personal profile form duly completed may be lodged with the nomination form, such profile to consist of not more than 400 words. Should the statement exceed 400 words the excessive words will be deleted from the end of the statement. Where a profile is submitted, it will be supplied to members registered on the Herding Electoral Roll, with the dispatch of Ballot Papers.
6.8.8 Criteria for Nomination
Any Dogs Victoria Ordinary, Dual or Life member as described in Dogs Victoria Rule 2.6.1 to 2.6.3 who has trained and trialled a dog to a Started title, or has competed in at least five trials over the previous two years shall be eligible to nominate for the Herding Committee. Eligible members will be invited through Dogs Victoria Gazette to nominate for office.
6.8.9 Polling
6.8.9.1 At least fourteen days before the poll closes, the Returning Officer shall send by post, in an envelope addressed to each voter:
6.8.9.1.1 the Ballot paper for the Election, duly signed or initialled by the Returning Officer;
6.8.9.1.2 an envelope for the Ballot Paper;
6.8.9.1.3 a return envelope bearing the Returning Officer’s address;
6.8.9.1.4 a profile of Candidates where applicable.
6.8.9.2 An election shall not be invalidated by reason that Ballot Papers have been forwarded to members not entitled to vote or have not been sent to members registered to vote, unless in the opinion of the Returning Officer this may have affected the result of the Election.
6.8.10 Eligibility to Vote
6.8.10.1 There shall be an Electoral Roll of voters. The Electoral Roll will be compiled by the Chief Executive or nominee through Dogs Victoria Gazette and having enrolled, a voter may vote for the discipline(s) for which the member is eligible according to that enrolment. Eligibility to vote must be certified as correct by the Chief Executive.
6.8.10.2 To be eligible to be placed on the Herding Electoral Roll voters must be Ordinary, Dual or Life members of Dogs Victoria and have trained and trialled a dog to a Started title, or have been a bona fide participant in at least five trials in the previous two years in any one or more of the following capacities – Competitor, Judge, Trial Secretary, Stock Handler, Scribe.
Herding Committee Election Regulations
6.8.11 Scrutineers
A candidate may nominate a Scrutineer. The nomination must be in writing addressed to the Chief Executive and must be received before the time the Ballot closes.
6.8.12 Return of Ballot Papers
The completion and return of ballot papers shall be in accordance with the instructions forwarded with the ballot papers. Ballot papers completed otherwise than in accordance with the instructions must not be counted. The decision of the Returning Officer as to validity or invalidity of any vote or Ballot Paper is final.
6.8.13 Issue of New Ballot Papers
If a voter gives to the Returning Officer a written declaration to the effect that the voter has not received a Ballot Paper or that the Ballot Paper received has been lost, spoilt or destroyed and that the voter has not already voted, the Returning Officer may issue a new Ballot Paper.
6.8.14 Scrutiny and Count
The scrutiny of the count will be based on Regulations for Management Committee Election.
6.8.15 Adjournment of Scrutiny and Count
The Returning Officer may from time to time adjourn the scrutiny and/or count of votes to a day and hour fixed by the Returning Officer.
6.8.16 Casual Vacancy
6.8.16.1 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, within six months prior to the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the vacancy shall be filled at such election.
6.8.16.2 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, more than six months before the date on which the ballot closes for an election, then the Management Committee shall invite members participating in Herding as defined in these Regulations to nominate for the vacant position. The Management Committee shall select from the nominations one person to fill the position, and the selected person shall see out the duration of the original term.
6.8.17 Voting System
The votes are to be counted under the Proportional Representation Voting System.
6.8.18
Recounts
Within seven days of being notified of the result of an election any candidate may by request in writing addressed to the Returning Officer, request a recount setting forth the reasons or upon the Returning Officer’s own motion, the Returning Officer may make a recount of the votes.
6.8.19
Timetable for Elections
The following timetable for the Election will apply:April Gazette Herding Committee Election Regulations published.
May & June Gazettes Enrolment for Electoral Roll announcement and nominations called for
June date to be set Electoral Roll and nominations close at 12 noon
July date to be set Ballot Papers and profiles dispatched to persons on the Electoral Roll
July date to be set Ballot Closes at 4.00 p.m.
August Gazette Result of Election published
Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee Election Regulations
6.6 OBEDIENCE, TRACKING AND ENDURANCE COMMITTEE ELECTION REGULATIONS
6.6.1 Title
These Regulations shall be cited as Dogs Victoria Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee Election Regulations.
6.6.2 Objective
The objective of these Regulations is to set out procedures for election and appointment to the Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee of Dogs Victoria.
6.6.3 Authorising Provisions
These Regulations are made under Clause 1.5.24 of the Constitution of Dogs Victoria.
6.6.4 Returning Officer
The Chief Executive or nominee shall act as Returning Officer, and shall not be a candidate in the election.
6.6.5 The Committee
(15/08/10) The Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee shall consist of seven (7) elected persons. The Committee may elect its own Chairperson, and Deputy Chairperson, from within the committee, annually.
6.6.6 Term of Office
The normal term of office for elected members shall be four years, commencing from first August, with retiring members eligible for re-election, subject to Rule 2.84.
6.6.7 Nominations
6.6.7.1 A person wishing to be a candidate at an Election must before twelve o’clock noon on the nomination day deliver or cause to be delivered to the Returning Officer, a nomination form naming that person as a candidate at the Election. Such form shall be completed in all detail and shall be on the prescribed form. Any person eligible to vote may propose or second a candidate.
6.6.7.2 A personal profile form duly completed may be lodged with the nomination form, such profile to consist of not more than 400 words. Should the statement exceed 400 words the excessive words will be deleted from the end of the statement. Where a profile is submitted, it will be supplied to members registered on the Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Electoral Roll, with the dispatch of Ballot Papers.
6.6.8
Criteria for Nomination
Any Dogs Victoria member as described in Rule 2.6.1 who has owned, trained and trialled a dog to a title in Obedience or Tracking activity shall be eligible to nominate for the Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee. Eligible members will be invited through the Gazette to nominate for office.
6.6.9 Polling
6.6.9.1 At least fourteen days before the poll closes, the Returning Officer shall send by post, in an envelope addressed to each voter:
6.6.9.1.1 the Ballot paper for the Election, duly signed or initialled by the Returning Officer;
6.6.9.1.2 an envelope for the Ballot Paper, and a return envelope bearing the Returning Officer’s address;
6.6.9.1.3 a profile of Candidates where applicable.
6.6.9.2 An election shall not be invalidated by reason that Ballot Papers have been forwarded to members not entitled to vote or have not been sent to members registered to vote, unless in the opinion of the Returning Officer this may have affected the result of the Election.
6.6.10 Eligibility to Vote
6.6.10.1 There shall be an Electoral Roll of voters. The Electoral Roll will be compiled by the Chief Executive or nominee through Dogs Victoria Gazette and having enrolled, a voter may vote for the discipline(s) for which the member is eligible according to that enrolment. Eligibility to vote must be certified as correct by the Chief Executive.
6.6.10.2 To be eligible to be placed on the Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Electoral Roll voters must be Ordinary, Dual or Life members of Dogs Victoria and have trained and trialled a dog to at least one pass towards a title in Obedience or Tracking, or have within the last 5 years been active in stewarding, judging, instructing or the active administration of Obedience, Tracking or Endurance trials/tests.
Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee Election Regulations
6.6.11 Scrutineers
A candidate may nominate a Scrutineer. The nomination must be in writing addressed to the Chief Executive and must be received before the time the Ballot closes.
6.6.17
Voting System
The votes are required to be counted under the Proportional Representation Voting System.
6.6.12
Return of Ballot Papers
The completion and return of ballot papers shall be in accordance with the instructions forwarded with the ballot papers. Ballot papers completed otherwise than in accordance with the instructions must not be counted. The decision of the Returning Officer as to validity or invalidity of any vote or Ballot Paper is final.
6.6.18
Recounts
Within seven days of being notified of the result of an election any candidate may by request in writing addressed to the Returning Officer, request a recount setting forth the reasons or upon the Returning Officer’s own motion, the Returning Officer may make a recount of the votes.
6.6.13
Issue of New Ballot Papers
If a voter gives to the Returning Officer a written declaration to the effect that the voter has not received a Ballot Paper or that the Ballot Paper received has been lost, spoilt or destroyed and that the voter has not already voted, the Returning Officer may issue a new Ballot Paper.
6.6.14 Scrutiny and Count
The scrutiny of the count will be based on Regulations for Management Committee Election.
6.6.15 Adjournment of Scrutiny and Count
The Returning Officer may from time to time adjourn the scrutiny and/or count of votes to a day and hour fixed by the Returning Officer.
6.6.16 Casual Vacancy
6.6.16.1 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, within six months prior to the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the vacancy shall be filled at such election. If the original term still has two years to be completed then the successful candidate shall be elected for that period.
6.6.16.2 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, more than six months before the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the Management Committee shall invite members participating in Obedience, Tracking and Endurance as defined in these Regulations to nominate for each vacant position. The OTEC will review the suitability of the nominees, and make recommendations to the Management Committee. The Management Committee shall approve any appointments and the selected person/s shall see out the duration of the original term/s. (15/02/16)
6.6.16.3 Reserve. (15/02/16)
6.6.19
Timetable for Elections
The following timetable for the Election will apply:-
April Gazette Obedience, Tracking and Endurance Committee Election Regulations published.
May & June Gazettes Enrolment for Electoral Roll announcement and nominations called for
June date to be set Electoral Roll and nominations close at 12 noon
July date to be set Ballot Papers and profiles dispatched to persons on the Electoral Roll
July date to be set Ballot Closes at 4.00 p.m.
August Gazette Result of Election published
Retrieving and Field Trial Committee Election Regulations
6.7 RETRIEVING AND FIELD TRIAL COMMITTEE ELECTION REGULATIONS
6.7.1 Title
These Regulations shall be cited as Dogs Victoria Retrieving and Field Trial Committee Election Regulations.
6.7.2 Objective
The objective of these Regulations is to set out procedures for election and appointment to the Retrieving and Field Trial Committee of Dogs Victoria.
6.7.3 Authorising Provisions
These Regulations are made under Clause 1.5.24 of the Constitution of Dogs Victoria.
6.7.4 Returning Officer
The Chief Executive or nominee shall act as Returning Officer.
6.7.5 Reserved
6.7.6 The Committee
The Committee to consist of 10 elected persons, with the following representation to the respective disciplines, i.e.
Retrieving discipline - four elected Pointer and Setter discipline - two elected Spaniel and Retriever discipline - two elected
Utility Gundog discipline - two elected
The committee may elect a Chairperson and a Deputy Chairperson, from within the committee, annually.
6.7.7 Term of Office
The normal term of office for elected members shall be four years commencing on 1st August with retiring members eligible for re-election subject to Rule 2.84.
6.7.8 Nominations
6.7.8.1 A person wishing to be a candidate at an Election must before twelve o’clock noon on the nomination day deliver or cause to be delivered to the Returning Officer, a nomination formnaming that person as a candidate at the Election. Such form shall be completed in all detail and shall be on the prescribed form. Any person eligible to vote may propose or second a candidate.
6.7.8.2 A personal profile form duly completed may be lodged with the nomination form, such profile to consist of not more than 400 words. Should the statement exceed 400 words the excessive words will be deleted from the end of the statement. Where a
profile is submitted, it will be supplied to members registered on the Retrieving and Field Trial Electoral Roll, with dispatch of Ballot Papers.
6.7.9 Criteria for Nomination
Any Dogs Victoria member as described in Rule 2.6.1 who has for the last two years demonstrated support for the Rules and Regulations and Codes of Practice set out by Dogs Victoria, and has been one or more of the following:
- a competitor in Field and/or Retrieving events;
- connected with Trials as a Judge, Steward or Manager;
- attended at least one lecture and at least one field training day for the respective disciplines in the last two years; shall be eligible to nominate for one position of the RAFT Committee.
A candidate may nominate to represent one only discipline at any one Election, and must be enrolled on one or more of the Electoral Rolls for the Retrieving and Field Trial Committee Election. Eligible members will be invited through the Gazette to nominate for office.
6.7.10 Polling
6.7.10.1 At least fourteen days before the poll closes, the Returning Officer shall send by post, in an envelope addressed to each voter:
6.7.10.1.1 the Ballot paper for the Election, duly signed or initialled by the Returning Officer or nominee;
6.7.10.1.2 an envelope for the Ballot Paper, and a return envelope bearing the Returning Officer’s address;
6.7.10.1.3 a profile of Candidates where applicable.
6.7.10.2 An election shall not be invalidated by reason that Ballot Papers have been forwarded to members not entitled to vote or have not been sent to members registered to vote, unless in the opinion of the Returning Officer this may have affected the result of the Election.
6.7.11 Eligibility to Vote
There shall be an Electoral Roll of voters for each discipline. To be eligible to be placed on the Electoral Roll voters must be Ordinary, Dual or Life members of Dogs Victoria who have within the last two years been one or more of the following:
Retrieving and Field Trial Committee Election Regulations
- a competitor in field and/or retrieving events;
- connected with trials as a Judge, Steward or Manager, on a regular basis;
- attended at least one lecture and at least one field training day for the respective discipline.
Such a member must apply to be on the RAFT Electoral Roll which will be developed by Dogs Victoria through Dogs Victoria Magazine and having enrolled, a voter may vote for the discipline(s) for which he/she is eligible according to the enrolment.
Eligibility to vote under this Clause must be certified as correct by the Chief Executive.
6.7.12 Scrutineers
A candidate may nominate a Scrutineer. The nomination must be in writing addressed to the Chief Executive and must be received before the time the Ballot closes.
6.7.13 Return of Ballot Papers
The completion and return of ballot papers shall be in accordance with the instructions forwarded with the ballot papers. Ballot papers completed otherwise than in accordance with the instructions must not be counted. The decision of the Returning Officer as to validity or invalidity of any vote or Ballot Paper is final.
6.7.14 Issue of New Ballot Papers
If a voter gives to the Returning Officer a declaration to the effect that the voter has not received a Ballot Paper or that the Ballot Paper received has been lost, spoilt or destroyed and that the voter has not already voted, the Returning Officer may issue a new Ballot Paper to that voter.
6.7.15 Scrutiny and Count
The scrutiny of the count will be based on Regulations for Management Committee Election Regulations.
6.7.16 Adjournment of Scrutiny and Count
The Returning Officer may from time to time adjourn the scrutiny and/or count of votes to a day and hour fixed by the Returning Officer.
6.7.17 Casual Vacancy
6.7.17.1 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, within six months of the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the vacancy shall be filled at such election. If the original term still has two years to be completed then the successful candidate shall be elected for that period and shall be the second or third candidate elected, depending on the required number to be elected within the discipline.
6.7.17.2 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, more than six months before the date on which the ballot closes for an election, then the Management Committee shall invite each Club participating in that particular discipline to nominate one (1) person for the vacant position. The Management Committee shall select from the nominations one (1) person to fill the position and the successful candidate shall see out duration of the original term.
6.7.18 Voting System
The votes are to be counted under the Proportional Representation Voting System.
6.7.19 Recounts
Within seven days of being notified of the result of an election any candidate may by request in writing addressed to the Returning Officer, setting forth the reasons or upon the Returning Officer’s own motion, the Returning Officer may make a recount of the votes.
6.7.20 Timetable for Elections
The following timetable for the Election will apply:-
April Gazette Retrieving and Field Trial Committee Election Regulations published.
May & June Gazettes Enrolment for Electoral Roll announcement and nominations called for
June date to be set Electoral Roll and nominations close at 12 noon
July date to be set Ballot Papers and profiles dispatched to persons on the Electoral Roll
July date to be set Ballot Closes at 4.00 p.m.
August Gazette Result of Election published
Scent Work Committee Election Regulations
6.9 SCENT WORK COMMITTEE ELECTION REGULATIONS
6.9.1 Title
These Regulations shall be cited as the VCA Scent Work Committee Election Regulations.
6.9.2 Objective
The objective of these Regulations is to set out procedures for election and appointment to the Scent Work Committee of the VCA.
6.9.3 Authorising Provisions
These Regulations are made under Clause 1.5.24 of the Constitution of the VCA.
6.9.4 Returning Officer
The Chief Executive or nominee shall act as Returning Officer and shall not be a candidate in the election.
6.9.5 The Committee
The Scent Work Committee shall consist of seven (7) elected persons. The Committee shall elect its own Chairperson, and Deputy Chairperson, from within the committee, bi-annually.
6.9.6 Term of Office
The normal term of office for elected members shall be four years, commencing from first August, with retiring members eligible for re-election, subject to Rule 2.84. There shall be bi-annual elections for approximately half of the committee with the first election held in 2026 at which four (4) positions will be subject to election.
6.9.7 Nominations
6.9.7.1 A person wishing to be a candidate at an Election must before twelve o’clock noon on the nomination day delivers or cause to be delivered to the Returning Officer, a nomination form naming that person as a candidate at the Election. Such form shall be completed in all detail and shall be on the prescribed form. Any person eligible to vote may propose or second a candidate.
6.9.7.2 A personal profile form duly completed may be lodged with the nomination form, such profile to consist of not more than 400 words. Should the statement exceed 400 words the excessive words will be deleted from the end of the statement. Where a profile is submitted, it will be supplied to members registered on the Scent Work Electoral Roll, with the dispatch of Ballot Papers.
6.9.8
Criteria for Nomination
Any VCA member as described in Rule 2.6.1 who has owned, trained and trialled a dog to a title in Scent Work shall be eligible to nominate for the Scent Work Committee. Eligible members will be invited through the Gazette to nominate for office.
6.9.9 Polling
6.9.9.1 At least fourteen days before the poll closes, the Returning Officer shall send by post, in an envelope addressed to each voter:
6.9.9.1.1 The Ballot paper for the Election, duly signed or initialled by the Returning Officer;
6.9.9.1.2 An envelope for the Ballot Paper, and a return envelope bearing the Returning Officer’s address; and
6.9.9.1.3 A profile of Candidates where applicable.
6.9.9.2 An election shall not be invalidated by reason that Ballot Papers have been forwarded to members not entitled to vote or have not been sent to members registered to vote, unless in the opinion of the Returning Officer this may have affected the result of the Election.
6.9.9.3 As an alternative to the procedure specified in 6.9.9.1, the Returning Officer may determine that voting may be conducted by electronic means while ensuring both the anonymity of voters and the integrity of the electoral process. If electronic voting is used, all electoral material including Candidate Profiles may be distributed by email.
6.9.9.4 If an election is conducted using electronic voting, the Returning Officer must provide a physical ballot paper and return envelope, on request, to any eligible voter who is either unable or unwilling to lodge their ballot electronically.
6.9.10
Eligibility to Vote
6.9.10.1 There shall be an Electoral Roll of voters. The Electoral Roll will be compiled by the Chief Executive or nominee through the VCA Gazette and having enrolled, a voter may vote for the discipline(s) for which the member is eligible according to that enrolment. Eligibility to vote must be certified as correct by the Chief Executive or nominee.
Scent Work Committee Election Regulations
6.9.10.2 To be eligible to be placed on the Scent Work Electoral Roll voters must be Ordinary, Joint or Life members of the VCA and have trained and trialled a dog to at least one pass towards a title in Scent Work, or have within the last 5 years been active in stewarding, judging, instructing or the active administration of Scent Work trials.
6.9.11 Scrutineers
A candidate may nominate a Scrutineer. The nomination must be in writing addressed to the Returning Officer and must be received before the time the Ballot closes.
6.9.12 Return of Ballot Papers
The completion and return of ballot papers shall be in accordance with the instructions forwarded with the ballot papers. Ballot papers completed otherwise than in accordance with the instructions must not be counted. The decision of the Returning Officer as to validity or invalidity of any vote or Ballot Paper is final.
6.9.13 Issue of New Ballot Papers
If a voter gives to the Returning Officer a written declaration to the effect that the voter has not received a Ballot Paper or that the Ballot Paper received has been lost, spoilt or destroyed and that the voter has not already voted, the Returning Officer may issue a new Ballot Paper.
6.9.14 Scrutiny and Count
The scrutiny of the count will be based on Regulations for Management Committee Election.
6.9.15 Adjournment of Scrutiny and Count
The Returning Officer may from time to time adjourn the scrutiny and/or count of votes to a day and hour fixed by the Returning Officer.
6.9.16 Casual Vacancy
6.9.16.1 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, within six months prior to the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the vacancy shall be filled at such election. If the original term still has two years to be completed, then the successful candidate shall be elected for that period.
6.9.16.2 In the event of a casual vacancy occurring, more than six months before the date on which the ballot closes for an election, the Management Committee shall invite members participating in Scent Work as defined in these Regulations to nominate for each vacant position. The Scent Work Committee will review the suitability of the nominees and make recommendations to the Management Committee. The
Management Committee shall approve any appointments, and the selected person/s shall see out the duration of the original term/s.
6.9.17 Voting System
The votes must be counted under the system specified in Rule 2.41.
6.9.18 Recounts
Within seven days of being notified of the result of an election any candidate may by request in writing addressed to the Returning Officer, request a recount setting forth the reasons or upon the Returning Officer’s own motion, the Returning Officer may make a recount of the votes.
6.9.19
Timetable for Elections
The following timetable for the Election will apply:April Gazette Scent Work Committee Election Regulations published.
May & June Gazettes Enrolment for Electoral Roll announcement and nominations called for
June date to be set Electoral Roll and nominations close at 12 noon
July date to be set Ballot Papers and profiles dispatched to persons on the Electoral Roll
July date to be set Ballot Closes at 4.00 p.m.
August Gazette Result of Election published