Short answer: Not under the current text. The IUOE Constitution (as amended at the 40th Convention, May 2023) has local officers elected in August, with nominations at a regular meeting and safeguards under the General Executive Board's rules (Art. XXIV, Subdiv. 1). Locals under District Administration elect by mail referendum (Art. XXVI, Sec. 1(h)). Electronic voting is not mentioned for local elections.
| Verdict | Lists methods that don't include electronic voting |
| Ratification / strike votes | Lists methods that don't include electronic voting |
| Confidence | High |
| Last verified | 21 October 2026 |
What the text says
How local officer elections are run
"Except in Local Unions operating under District Administration Form of Government, the election of officers of a Local Union shall be held in the month of August, and the nominations shall be made at a regular meeting prior to the election, but in no event earlier than the May meeting preceding the election. The Local Union may adopt the Australian ballot system, in which event the polls shall be kept open for a period of twelve (12) consecutive hours between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the date of the election, or may hold the election through referendum conducted by mail. The election shall be conducted by secret ballot."
"Adequate safeguards to insure a fair election shall be provided by the Local Union, in accordance with the International Constitution, applicable law, and such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the General Executive Board."
"Provide for the nomination of Local Union officers at district or general membership meetings prior to the election, but in no event earlier than a May meeting preceding the election, with elections during the month of August by mail referendum conducted by secret ballot among the general membership or by Australian ballot system, in which event the polls shall be kept open for a period of twelve (12) consecutive hours between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the date of election."
Electronic, internet, phone or remote voting
"The General Executive Board may transact any business before it without holding a session and record the votes of the members by mail, telegram, telephone, facsimile copy, teleconferencing, or any other technology that allows for communication by the Board members."
International approval of local bylaws or election rules
"Local Unions may adopt and amend bylaws and trade rules by a majority vote of the members voting at a regular membership meeting, at a special meeting called for that purpose, or in a mail referendum of the membership. ... Bylaws and trade rules or amendments thereto, in order to become effective, must first be adopted by Local Unions and thereafter approved by the General President."
"Provide for adequate safeguards to ensure a fair election in elections conducted pursuant to subsections (h) and (i) of this Section, in accordance with the International Constitution, applicable law and such rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the General Executive Board;"
Contract ratification and strike votes
"Such agreements and modifications thereof shall not be executed until they have been presented at the next membership meeting following the negotiation of the proposed agreement and have been approved by the membership affected, provided, however, that a Local Union may delegate to its Local Executive Board or to its bargaining committee authority to approve such agreements and modifications without such submission of the same to vote of its membership."
Open questions
Local officer elections may be held by Australian ballot (12-hour polls) or by mail referendum, by secret ballot; electronic voting is not mentioned, and whether that list is exclusive is for counsel to confirm. The General Executive Board may promulgate election rules, but the text does not say those rules can add methods. Contract approval is tied to presentation at a membership meeting (or delegation to the Executive Board/bargaining committee); no voting channel is otherwise specified.
The federal rules still apply
Federal law sits on top of every constitution. For unions covered by the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA), officer elections must meet Title IV's secret-ballot, notice and observer requirements however members vote. The Department of Labor's Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) addresses remote electronic voting in its Compliance Tip Electing Union Officers Using Remote Electronic Voting Systems (updated December 10, 2024). The Tip describes safeguards for secrecy, observation and records, says it "does not offer unions safe harbor," and says each system is evaluated case by case. Federal-sector unions follow 29 CFR Part 458, which applies the same standards; postal unions are covered by the LMRDA. Locals made up entirely of state or local government employees are generally outside Title IV and follow state law and their own rules. OLMS Compliance Tip
Sources
- The Constitution Governing the International Union of Operating Engineers and All Subdivisions, Bodies, Local Unions and Members Thereof (OLMS attachment '2023 Amended Constitution.pdf', 'Constitution, Bylaws and Other Attachments', filed by ENGINEERS, OPERATING, AFL-CIO, National Headquarters, OLMS file no. 000-159, received 2024-03-22) — Amended by 40th Int. Convention, May 2023 (title page). Next regular convention not yet held as of access date; no later amended text found.. https://olmsapps.dol.gov/query/orgReport.do?rptId=67989&rptForm=attachment (accessed 2026-10-21)
Not verified: No international election manual or GEB election rules were found publicly; GEB 'rules and regulations' referenced in Art. XXIV Subdiv. 1(e) not obtained. Constitution is not posted on iuoe.org homepage; the OLMS-filed copy was used.
This page summarizes the published text of a union's governing documents. It is not legal advice and not an official interpretation by the union. Constitutions change at conventions, and locals' own bylaws matter. Confirm with your International and your counsel before changing how members vote. Spotted an error or a newer edition? Tell us at info@votem.com and we'll correct it.
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