In early January, information about candidates for Society-level office was posted to the STC Web site. As in past elections, the information includes candidates' responses to questions posed by the STC nominating committee and summaries of the candidates' STC service and professional experience.

This year, an online form allows members to submit questions to candidates and view their responses. Questions submitted by members are automatically forwarded to all of the candidates running for a particular office. Each candidate decides whether to respond to a question; responses are not required.

In addition to electing officers, voters in STC's 2006 election will be asked to approve a proposed amendment to the STC Bylaws. The amendment specifies a process for filling vacancies on the board of directors. An explanation of the reasoning behind the proposed amendment, including arguments both for and against the amendment, has been posted to the STC Web site and will appear in the March issue of Intercom.

The election opens in early March and closes at noon Eastern Time on March 31. Please note that the closing date has been moved up from previous years to allow winning candidates more time to prepare for their first board meeting at STC's 53rd Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

Only members who have paid their dues by February 28, 2006, will be eligible to vote. An option on the dues renewal forms and new membership applications for 2006 allows members to receive their election materials via e-mail. In March, members who selected this option will be e-mailed the slate, candidate biographies, and voting instructions. Members who did not select this option will receive these materials by first-class mail.