2026-2027 Election

All active CBA members received a ballot via email on September 1, 2026.  The ballot includes a link to vote for our 2026-2027 Board of Directors and for proposed 2026 Bylaw Changes.  If you did not receive a ballot, or if you have any questions, please email membership@californiabluegrass.net.

Voting closes on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 12 noon Pacific Time

Meet the 2026-2027 Board Candidates

Revising the CBA Bylaws

Our current bylaws were last updated with several changes back in July 2017. But a lot has changed in the world of non-profits and within CBA since then, so the board has unanimously recommended that the bylaws are updated. This requires a vote by members, so we’re including this question in the ballot this year, along with the election of the 2026-2027 board members.

Summary of key changes in the revised bylaws:

  • Board member terms changed from one year to three years.

  • One-third of (rather than all) board members to be elected each year.

  • Board members may serve two three-year terms, then take at least one year off.

  • Some board seats may be appointed by current board members, while at least two-thirds of seats are elected by members.

  • An explanation of the Executive Director role has been added.

  • Use of electronic communications and meetings, such as Zoom, are clarified.

  • Updates to be fully in conformance with current California non-profit law.

Download the full text of the ByLaws

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY THE LONGER BOARD TERM?

We’ve found that it takes some time for an incoming board member to come up to speed. Often, the first year is just to become fully acquainted with how CBA runs, internal processes and who does what. In year two, board members can start being effective and contributing, and by year three, use their experience to make an impact and lead new initiatives. For this reason, we’re setting the expectation that a new board member should aim to serve at least three years, rather than just one.

WILL THE THREE-YEAR TERM MAKE IT HARDER TO RECRUIT NEW BOARD MEMBERS?

Maybe. But candidates should understand that this is in no way a binding, legal commitment. Any board member can resign at any time if their situation changes, with no penalty. Also, we researched past board compositions and found that two-thirds of folks that join the board choose to stay on for three or more years, because they’re enjoying the experience.

HOW WILL THIS CHANGE THE ANNUAL BALLOTING?

Currently, every board member can choose to be on the ballot every year. But this means that we risk having multiple experienced board members retire at the same time, damaging our institutional knowledge. Under the new bylaws, one third of the seats will come up for re-election each year, helping preserve continuity. Of course, there will be a transition period in the first year, where current members elected under the previous bylaws serve different terms to sync up with the new staggered three-year cycle.

WHY ARE WE ADDING TERM LIMITS?

We feel this is a best practice to allow fresh perspectives and viewpoints to enter the board. The new bylaws stipulate a limit of two 3-year terms – so, six consecutive years. Over the past 25 years, most board members have decided to step aside after about six years anyway, so this is consistent with past practice. In addition, a board member stepping down after six years can still serve as an officer (Treasurer, Secretary or VP) with no limit and can run again for a board seat after one year.

WHAT ARE BOARD-APPOINTED SEATS?

Currently all board members are elected by CBA members. This allows us to have a board that is representative of members’ wishes, which is very helpful. However, election results are often determined by name recognition or popularity, so some highly-qualified candidates with skills that would benefit the board are left out. The new bylaws add an option for the board to select a board member that would bring needed skills or expertise to the board – but at least two thirds of current board members must vote for any such nominee for them to be on the board.

HOW MANY BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE ELECTED BY MEMBERS?

The bylaws specify that the board can have between 9 and 13 members. Currently, we have decided on 9 seats to be elected by the members. Under the new bylaws, at least 8 of these seats must be elected by members. This ensures that there will always be a super-majority (at least two-thirds) of board seats filled by member votes.

WHAT OTHER REASONS DID THE BOARD DECIDE TO UPDATE THE BYLAWS?

We want to keep up with the changing world. Most of our board meetings are held by Zoom now. The old bylaws allowed this as an option, but only with a specific permission by the board each time. We’ve also added the option for an Executive Director role. Further, our attorneys, Adler & Colvin, are one of the premier law firms exclusively working with non-profit organizations, and they made sure to include numerous small updates that reflect the latest provisions of California non-profit law.