Every year, thousands of labor or trade organizations across the country hold elections to choose representatives. This creates a demand for affordable election service providers that help unions manage the logistics.
Election services for unions come in many forms. From digital-only platforms to hands-on management and in-person polling, there are numerous options. Cost matters, too, as choosing an affordable election service can save time and money that could be better spent running the union. Below is a list of the best places to find affordable election services for unions.
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Survey and Ballot Systems
Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) is the best affordable election service for unions. It takes the hassle out of union elections by offering affordability and versatility. With a wide range of services, including paper, mail-in ballots and in-person voting, this company can handle it all. It provides a secure and auditable process from start to finish, with an intuitive voting system and a team of labor union voting experts.
Whether you’re conducting a hybrid, digital or physical election, SBS can tailor its services to fit your needs. It also emphasizes security and powerful analytics, helping you save money by eliminating waste and improving the efficiency of your elections. SBS also utilizes independent third-party audits to verify and certify the results of every election. While these audit logs are kept confidential to protect the integrity of the process, the results are officially certified.
The company has managed hundreds of unions, and clients can enjoy a range of benefits, including live voting features, email notifications, weighted voting, document uploads, multi-admin access and much more. Because of its versatility, credibility and affordability, SBS takes top place.
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YesElections
YesElections, formerly known as Election-America, is an established provider that offers a comprehensive range of voting methods, including paper, phone, online and hybrid systems. This makes YesElections versatile, giving your union maximum flexibility and increasing the likelihood of participation across the membership.
As a large company, YesElections also has extensive experience and well-tested processes, which are particularly useful for handling large and complex elections. Its scale and decades of experience make it a go-to choice for large unions seeking a proven, all-in-one election solution. For those that require a full suite of voting options and the reliability that comes with a major provider, YesElections is a top contender.
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ElectionBuddy
What is the best secure voting software for credit unions? ElectionBuddy is a modern and worthy contender. At its core, it is a user-friendly, software-focused platform designed for online voting and meetings. It also offers options to add paper ballot services for union members who are unable to access digital technology.
The major benefit of this election software is its strong focus on member engagement, complemented by a clean and intuitive interface. This makes it accessible for every member of your union, regardless of technical ability. The platform also provides real-time turnout data, which is a valuable feature for measuring engagement.
ElectionBuddy is a cost-effective solution for tech-savvy unions that are comfortable managing their own processes. Ultimately, ElectionBuddy empowers unions to run a highly engaging and cost-effective election in-house. It offers a perfect balance of powerful, user-friendly tools and direct administrative control.
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MK Election Services
MK Election Services is a great choice, as its employees are unionized themselves. MK Election Services specializes in handling elections with complex voting rules, making it a versatile option for unions that are multifaceted or large in size.
Thanks to its status as a union-staffed company, MK Election Services has credibility and is aligned with labor values. Its services can handle complex voting scenarios, such as weighted and ranked-choice voting, making them ideal for unions with non-standard bylaws.
As a smaller, union-staffed firm, MK Election Services offers a focused and dedicated partnership. For unions seeking a provider that is an expert in complex voting and truly aligned with labor principles, MK Election Services offers unmatched credibility and is an excellent choice for an affordable and value-aligned service.
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Votem
Votem offers affordable election services for unions. It’s a technology-focused company that provides a highly secure, mobile-first online voting platform. Votem places a strong emphasis on mobile accessibility, making it ideal for voting on the go.
It’s also well-suited for unions with a young, tech-savvy membership, especially those with geographically dispersed members. Votem is modern, auditable and versatile. For unions looking to modernize their elections and connect with members wherever they are, Votem provides a secure, forward-thinking, and exceptionally accessible mobile voting experience. It is the ideal solution for a digital-first approach.
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ElectionSource
For those looking to conduct a physical election, ElectionSource provides excellent service. It supplies all necessary election materials, including boxes, voting booths and signage. ElectionSource also offers comprehensive support, such as training, ballot layout and printing, turnkey election management, equipment delivery, and more.
ElectionSource is a one-stop shop for any union election, especially those that prefer to conduct votes in person. The company handles all supplies, and its services can also be tailored to meet your union’s specific needs. It’s ideal for unions that have the people but lack the materials to conduct an election.
ElectionSource is more of a supplier than a full-service administration. This focus makes it the ideal partner for self-sufficient unions. It empowers them to run a traditional, in-person election with professional-grade materials and expert logistical support right where they need it. ElectionSource is a strong option for those who prefer a less digital election experience.
Choosing an affordable election service that works for your union
Elections differ widely, and so do the services that facilitate them. That’s why it’s essential to select a versatile and credible organization that can tailor its offerings to meet your specific needs. Before making a decision, evaluate your membership’s technical skills, geographic distribution and your union’s specific voting rules. Consider whether a fully managed service or a software-focused platform fits your budget and administrative capacity. Ultimately, the right partner will deliver accurate results, increase member participation and reinforce trust in your union’s democratic process.
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