This year, the AAA also had a number of new clients who were dissatisfied with previous election services or how elections in the past were handled internally. As election administrator, the AAA is guided by three primary principles. First, it is responsible for conducting a fair and impartial election that avoids even the appearance of favoritism toward any client or issue. Second, all elections are conducted pursuant to federal law and each organization's bylaws or constitution. Finally, the AAA upholds democratic traditions by protecting the rights of all members in good standing and ensuring voter confidentiality by secret balloting.
Impartiality is vital to the success of any election.
The AAA initially ensures impartiality by doing a background check of its clients and personnel to guarantee that no individual involved with the administration has a vested interest in the outcome of the election. With each client the AAA is willing and able to sign an agreement stating that it has researched and determined that there is no conflict of interest. Along the same lines, the AAA also recommends to its clients that the designated contact or election chairperson be a disinterested party. It is AAA policy that all interested parties must be present or offered the opportunity to be present when substantive issues are discussed. To encourage dialogue throughout each election, the AAA also provides an 800-telephone service for election questions and concerns.