# AlmaLinux OS Foundation Board Elections
The AlmaLinux OS Foundation is lead by a board of elected directors.
The process for these elections is defined in a few different documents. Primarily, the AlmaLinux OS Foundation Bylaws (opens new window). It's further clarified in Election processes and board terms.
# How an election works
The AlmaLinux bylaws were set up to include regular elections, to ensure AlmaLinux could achieve the goal of all foundation members having a voice.
- An election committee is appointed by the board, made up of community members and a board member who is not standing for election.
- Any person who is a member in good standing for at least three months by the time the election started is eligible to be nominated for a seat on the Board of Directors.
- The election runs for at least two weeks. If the minimum quorum of 50% membership participation is not reached, the election is extended until a quorum is reached.
# Election tracking
Information about the nominations and the election status are tracked on the election specific pages:
| Election year | Tracking page | Election status | Link to announcements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Election 2022 | Complete | First AlmaLinux Board Election Announces 7 New Seats (opens new window) |
| 2023 | Election 2023 | Complete | Meet our two new board members! (opens new window) |
| 2025 | Election 2025 | Rescheduled - 2026 | Election rescheduled for March 2026 (opens new window) (blog) |
# FAQ
Can I nominate myself?
- No, you must be nominated by a supporting member in good standing.
Who can be nominated?
- Any member in good standing, approved by the membership committee not less than 3 months before the election
- Note: only members in good standing may nominate a potential board member, and each nominee must have a supporting member (you cannot nominate yourself).
How can I nominate someone?
- E-Mail name & contact information of nominee to elections@almalinux.org.
My company is a sponsor member, can it nominate any company employee?
- Yes, sponsors can nominate any company employee, but if the employee is terminated, or company sponsorship lapses, the person may be asked to step down from the role.
Who can vote?
- Any member in good standing, approved by the membership committee before the election starts.
How can I vote?
- You will get a link to the voting page in your e-mail on the day voting starts.
How many votes does each member get?
- Contributor, Alumnus, Mirror members: 1 vote each
- Platinum sponsors: 50 votes each
- Gold sponsors: 15 votes each
- Ruby sponsors: 5 votes each
- Silver sponsors: 5 votes each
What is the minimum number of votes you need to win?
- At least 50% of our membership must vote in order for the election to be valid
- The number of candidates equal to the open seats with most votes will win
How many seats are on the board?
- There are 8 voting seats on the board.
How long does a director serve?
- A term on the board is 3 years, unless the director leaves for any reason.
What platform will you use for the elections?
- The election committee decides this, but typically uses Helios.
How are vacancies handled in the event that a director leaves before the end of their term?
- If a seat is vacated less than three months before a planned election, the board may fill the vacancy by a majority vote, or may choose to leave the seat vacant.
- If a seat is vacated more than three months before a planned election, the board must trigger an election to fill the seat or appoint someone to fill the seat.
Are directors on the board compensated?
- Board positions are not compensated positions.
Is Director at the AlmaLinux OS Foundation a full-time position?
- It is not a full-time position.
How is the Chair of the board of directors elected?
- The chair is one of the elected directors, and is voted as such at the first meeting of a new board of directors, or as needed.
Can two members of the board also work at the same company?
- No.