Peter Hlavin is no bomb-throwing radical. He’s an M50 high jumper in Southern California who flirts with 6 feet. But he’s no fool either, and doesn’t suffer them. So when he attended a recent election meeting of his USATF association, he didn’t like how a reasonable idea was rebuffed. The idea? Let association members vote online. Association leadership apparently wouldn’t even consent to studying the suggestion. So Peter composed a little essay. Of course, Peter has thrown a bomb with this manifesto. The last thing USATF brass want is an honest election. How could they cling to power that way? Anyway, listen to Peter. He’s the future.

Peter, shown jumping at 2009 Oshkosh nationals, also competed at Lahti worlds. (Photo by Ken Stone)

Peter Hlavin writes:

Currently, USATF association meetings require in-person voting for the election of officers and certain other matters.  I would like to obtain feedback regarding the subject of online voting as a supplemental form of voting (i.e., online voting in conjunction with in-person voting).  My question is this: What are the various USATF associations doing with respect to online voting initiatives, if any?

Based on my observations, the USATF association voting format is not balanced.  Certain groups show up en masse and tend to dominate these in-person voting sessions.  Prior to the Internet, the in-person voting format made sense — it was the only viable option.  However, with the advent of the Internet (and over 15 years of history to work out the kinks), secure Internet-based voting applications are now readily available and used universally.

There are numerous reasons why online voting should be incorporated as a supplement to, not a replacement for, in-person voting.  First, the technology for affordable Internet-based online voting exists (and has existed for quite some time).  Second, the current in-person voting format tends to disenfranchise USATF association members.  Online voting would serve to level the playing field and make it more equitable to all athletes, especially those members who may not have access to transportation or those who do not desire to travel long distances.

In certain instances, round-trip travel times may exceed four hours.  Combine travel time with the time to conduct the association meeting itself and one could be looking at an eight-hour Saturday commitment.  Thus online voting would be a huge cost (e.g., gas) and time saver.

Fourth, online voting could serve as another “member benefit.”  If association members have access to a time-saving and cost-effective Internet-based mechanism, members just may take greater ownership in the activities of their association and/or track club.

Fifth, online voting would help reduce our carbon footprint.  The formula is quite simple: fewer cars on the road means less carbon emissions.

Over the past several years, USATF has done its part to restructure the national organization to be in step with the 21st century.  Isn’t it time for the various USATF associations to do their part and contribute to a more equitable, fair and user-friendly voting format? Yes, each association would have to develop their own Internet-based voting mechanism.

Yet, this is no different from what each association has done in the past.  A case in point:  Each association is responsible for the development and maintenance of its own Web site. Again, I am not suggesting an elimination of in-person voting at association meetings.

Rather, I submit that the time has come for online voting to take its rightful place alongside in-person voting.  All athletes – Youth, Open and Masters – deserve to have an equal opportunity to vote in all matters using all available technologies.  Internet-based online voting is long overdue. Is it not time for USATF associations to get on the same bandwagon?