← Back to Blog
Compliance
The 50000 Question: What Happens When a Union Election Is Challenged?
By Pete Martin·April 8, 2026
Every year, the Department of Labor investigates hundreds of union officer elections. Most investigations are triggered by member complaints — and many result in supervised re-runs.
What Triggers a DOL Investigation?
Any union member can file a complaint with the DOL within one month of exhausting internal union remedies. Common triggers include: allegations of voter eligibility irregularities, claims that candidates were improperly disqualified, disputes about ballot counting, and allegations of voter intimidation.
The Cost of a Supervised Re-Run
If the DOL finds violations, they can order a supervised re-run of the election. The cost of a supervised re-run typically ranges from $25,000 to $75,000.
How Votem Protects You
Votem's compliance guarantee means that if your election fails a DOL review due to issues with our platform or services, we pay up to $50,000 toward the resulting fine.
What Triggers a DOL Investigation?
Any union member can file a complaint with the DOL within one month of exhausting internal union remedies. Common triggers include: allegations of voter eligibility irregularities, claims that candidates were improperly disqualified, disputes about ballot counting, and allegations of voter intimidation.
The Cost of a Supervised Re-Run
If the DOL finds violations, they can order a supervised re-run of the election. The cost of a supervised re-run typically ranges from $25,000 to $75,000.
How Votem Protects You
Votem's compliance guarantee means that if your election fails a DOL review due to issues with our platform or services, we pay up to $50,000 toward the resulting fine.