PRE-CAMPAIGNING
NJCL STRICTLY PROHIBITS PRE-CAMPAIGNING.
Pre-campaigning is campaigning done before NomCom. The NJCL strives to encourage a large, diverse set of candidates and maintain equity, so that JCLers vote based on candidates’ qualifications. Thus, the NJCL prohibits any candidate from pre-campaigning.
WHAT COUNTS AS CAMPAIGNING? We define the term“ campaigning” as encompassing one of the following situations:
Publicizing candidacy in any way, including digitally via websites, social media posts, emails, texts, etc., or physical media such as chalk messages and print material. Holding any meetings( virtual or in-person) for campaign purposes, especially with people outside the candidate’ s State. The NJCL Bylaws, however, contain a specific exemption for students whose States nominate a candidate for national office at their State Convention( Article V Section 1). If a candidate engages in any of these activities prior to the Nominations Committee meeting, the candidate will be investigated as violating NJCL’ s campaign rules, subject to the policy set in the NJCL Executive Handbook and Election Guide. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? Before the Nominations Committee meeting: One-on-one conversations with another person( or small group of people) are okay. Since we assume your State will vote for you, discussions with people from your State are permitted. If you’ re an officer of a State or local JCL board, do not discuss your candidacy while performing official duties or during board meetings. If you’ re asked about running for office, try your best to redirect the conversation. Ultimately, we want students to use good judgement, becoming 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-bycase basis. For additional information, reach out to parliamentarian @ njcl. org or constitution @ njcl. org.