STATEMENT ON PRE-CAMPAIGNING
NJCL strictly prohibits “ pre-campaigning ” — campaigning before the Nominations Committee Meeting ( NomCom ). This is done to encourage a large , diverse set of candidates and to maintain equity so that people are voting based on qualifications .
What counts as campaigning ?
We define the term “ campaigning ” as encompassing at least one of the following situations :
Δ Publicizing candidacy in any way , including through digitally via websites , social media posts , emails , texts , etc ., or physical media such as chalk messages and print material .
Δ Holding any meetings ( virtual or in-person ) for campaign purposes , especially with people outside of the candidate ’ s State , The NJCL Bylaws contain a specific exception for students whose States nominate a candidate for national office at their State Convention ( Article V Section 1 ).
Δ Discussing campaigning with other candidates .
If a candidate engages in any of these activities prior to the Nominations Committee meeting , that candidate will be investigated as violating NJCL ’ s campaign rules , subject to the policy set in the NJCL Executive Board Handbook and Election Guide .
What does this mean for me ?
Before the Nominations Committee meeting :
Δ One-on-one conversations with another person ( or even an intimate group of people ) are okay .
Δ Since we assume that your State will vote for you , discussions with people from your State are permitted .
Δ If you ’ re an officer of a State or local JCL board , do not discuss your candidacy during while performing official duties or during board meetings .
Δ If you ’ re asked about running for office , please redirect the conversation .
Ultimately , we want students to use good judgment , becoming of a future NJCL officer . These explanations of campaigning and pre-campaigning serve to make elections equitable , not punitive . If a situation arises not covered above , the Committee will evaluate it on a case-by-case basis .
For additional information , contact the NJCL Parliamentarian ( parliamentarian @ njcl . org ) or Constitutional Advisor ( constitution @ njcl . org ).