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Compliance

The 50000 Question: What Happens When a Union Election Is Challenged?

By Pete Martin·April 8, 2026
1 min read
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.
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The Janus Decision and What It Means for Union Election Compliance

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Credit Union Board Nominations: NCUA Compliance and Best Practices

NCUA Part 701 governs how federal credit unions run board nominations. Here's what compliance looks like in practice — and how digital nomination management reduces risk.

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