Here is a question I have already received a handful of times.
Q. Why is your campaign not using Facebook, Slack, QRZ, groups.io or other social media?
That is a great question as it is an obvious omission. By-Law 18(d)(vi) of the ARRL By-Laws states, “Candidates may not use communications vehicles that carry campaigning or other election related comments outside of their division during the election period other than personal websites or webpages” (American Radio Relay League. (n.d.). ARRL by-laws (p. 5). https://www.arrl.org/files/file/About%20ARRL/By-Laws/ByLaws.pdf).
As I understand this, it means that once the campaign period started (July 1st), nothing can be posted by my campaign to any social media venues because by their very nature, they are viewable outside the Southeastern Division
While I understand the intention of the By-Law, I do believe that By-Law failed to consider some of the practical ramifications of itself. It is very hard to avoid social media in 2025. I can see the value of this By-Law for things like X tweets and Facebook posts as their inevitable comments can devolve into all-out candidate-bashing (which is definitely not allowed in the By-Laws). But with judicious usage, things like YouTube town halls would be tremendously helpful to members in the Southeastern Division in deciding who will get their vote. One could even turn off the comments on the YouTube video so the video stands on its own–not further influenced by the comments that will inevitably follow.
Now this may be my cautious interpretation of this rule, but I am even avoiding using posts to my local clubs’ Slack instances or the clubs’ groups.io lists. My reasoning is that we have members on Slack and groups.io reflectors that are outside the Southeastern Division. So if I post to groups.io even letting the club know I am running, I could have violated By-Law 18(d)(vi). Now that is strictly my own interpretation and opinion but I am erring on the side of caution.
This By-Law change is new for this year’s election. So as with all new things, there are going to be some growing pains. If elected, I certainly intend to work towards making a policy that works a bit better in practice while still maintaining the original ideals of the By-Law 18 change.
As always I welcome the chance to talk to you directly about this or any other topic. Feel free to contact me at ny4i@ny4i.com or you can call or text me at 813-205-6388. I look forward to hearing from you.
Also, if you have an upcoming club meeting and would not mind granting me a few minutes to discuss why I am running, I would appreciate any such opportunities.