Answers to some of the most common inquiries about the voting process and other related topics are addressed below and on the About the Election page of this website.
Please also refer to the Yale Alumni Association’s website about the role of alumni in the election process and the work of the Alumni Fellow Nominating Committee.
If your question has not been answered by the information provided on these pages, please contact the Office of Institutional Affairs by email or by phone at 203-432-6020.
Am I eligible to vote in the election?
According to the University Charter, granted by the Connecticut legislature, all graduates of Yale College who have held their degrees for five years or more, all alumni of the graduate and professional schools, and all recipients of Yale honorary degrees are eligible to vote in the Alumni Fellow Election.
Who oversees the election?
Yale’s Office of Institutional Affairs manages the election. The university engages Election Services Corporation, a firm that is expert in providing these services to higher education, corporate, and nonprofit organization clients, to manage the distribution of election materials and the tallying of votes.
Why did I receive an email from Election Services Corporation?
The university engages Election Services Corporation of Melville, New York, to manage the distribution of election materials and the tallying of votes. Prior to the launch of the election, all eligible alumni who have an email address on file with the university receive a communication from Election Services with instructions for changing or confirming their ballot delivery method (electronically, via email, or paper, via U.S. mail). Once the election launches, Election Services distributes election materials and provides instructions for voting.
Eligible alumni who do not have email addresses on file with the university receive election materials via U.S. mail.
I do not want to receive a ballot by email. How do I request a paper ballot?
In early spring, eligible alumni who have an email address on file with the university receive an email from Election Services Corporation notifying them of their eligibility to vote in the upcoming election. Alumni are given the opportunity to change or confirm their ballot delivery method (electronic, by email, or in paper, via U.S. mail).
When the election launches, eligible alumni who cannot be reached by email receive a paper ballot by U.S. mail.
If you have questions about how and where you will receive your ballot, please contact Yale’s Office of Institutional Affairs.
If I requested and received a paper ballot, can I still vote online?
Yes. Even if you receive a paper ballot, you may choose to vote electronically. Visit the website URL provided in the election materials and log in with the unique election validation number printed on the ballot.
My ballot was lost or destroyed. How do I request a replacement ballot?
Electors may make written application for a replacement ballot until mid May. Alumni who wish to participate in the election should act as early as possible to ensure that their completed ballot is returned by the election deadline.
Please refer to the Application for Replacement Ballot page for more information.
When is the election deadline?
All votes must be received by May 19, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EDT in order to be counted.
What should I do if I have trouble casting my ballot?
If you have difficulty voting or have questions about voting online, please contact Election Services Corporation by email or call 1-866-720-HELP (4357) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
General questions about the election, voter eligibility, and other matters should be directed to the Office of Institutional Affairs.
When will the election results be announced?
The results of the election are typically announced in late May or early June.
Can I nominate a candidate for a future slate?
Yes! The Alumni Fellow Nominating Committee welcomes your nominations.
Where can I learn more about the Yale Corporation (the university’s board of trustees)?
Visit the Board of Trustees website to learn about the composition of the board, its committees, its current and former trustees, and their roles. The website also features information about what happens at meetings and the governing and historic documents that guide the trustees’ activities and responsibilities.
How do I update my contact information with the university?
In early spring, eligible alumni who have an email address on file with the university receive an email from Election Services Corporation notifying them of their eligibility to vote in the upcoming election. Alumni are given the opportunity to change or confirm their ballot delivery method (electronic, by email, or in paper, via U.S. mail) and to update their primary contact information on file with Yale.
Alumni who are registered members of the Yale Online Alumni Directory can view and/or update their contact information at any time (login required). If you have not yet registered for the directory, you will find registration instructions at the link above.
You may also submit your updated information to Alumni Records.
Please note: Ballots are delivered to the primary email address or mailing address on file with the university at the time of the election.
How do I leave feedback about the election?
We welcome your input about your voting experience and any other component of the election. Feedback should be directed to the Office of Institutional Affairs.
How do I get involved with Yale as a member of the alumni community?
The Yale Alumni Association (YAA) provides many ways for alumni of all ages to engage with the university. To learn more, visit the YAA website.