Short answer: Not under the 2022 text. The UMWA Constitution states: "Voting shall be in person by secret ballot" (Art. 10, Sec. 18), and the 2015 Model Bylaws for Local Unions say the same. Local bylaws need International Executive Board approval (Art. 10, Sec. 1). A special convention in October 2025 may have amended the constitution; that text was not yet on file with the Department of Labor.
| 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
"Officers shall be elected by secret ballot vote for a period of three years in May of the appropriate year, or until their successors are elected and qualified."
"The meeting shall also determine the time and place of the balloting, following the guiding principle of permitting maximum voter participation, with balloting whenever practical at the job sites."
"At least fifteen days before the election the Local Recording Secretary shall send or cause to be sent by mail to each member of the Local Union at their last known address, a written notice setting forth the time and place of the election and the offices to be filled."
"The polls shall be open sufficient hours to enable all members conveniently to vote. Voting shall be in person by secret ballot."
"The Election Committee shall have the power to make such rules and regulations concerning Local Union elections, provided that such rules and regulations are not in conflict with this Constitution or the Local Union's bylaws, as may be necessary or appropriate to ensure that all candidates have a full and fair opportunity to present their candidacies, that all members have a full and fair opportunity to support and vote for candidates of their choice, and that the voting is fairly and honestly conducted."
Electronic, internet, phone or remote voting
"A mail ballot shall be provided for all pensioner and disabled members, and those members who expect to be in active military status on the election date, as an alternative method for their participation in the election."
International approval of local bylaws or election rules
"Local Unions may adopt such laws for their government as do not conflict with the laws or rulings of the International or Agreements, but no newly adopted Local bylaws shall be effective or be amended until approved by the International Executive Board. Local Unions which do not adopt bylaws shall be governed by the Model Bylaws issued by the International Executive Board."
"The polls shall be open sufficient hours to enable all members conveniently to vote. Voting shall be in person by secret ballot."
Contract ratification and strike votes
"When the Negotiating Committee arrives at what it believes is the most favorable proposed agreement which can be reached, it shall submit that proposed agreement to a ratification vote by all members covered by the proposed agreement."
"Ratification votes shall be held in each Local Union which has members covered by the agreement, and shall be conducted no less than 48 hours following a full explanation of the proposed agreement and full opportunity for discussion and debate. ... Voting shall be by secret ballot and shall be held at such times and places as to make it convenient for all eligible working members to vote."
"Only the International President can call or authorize a strike. ... No District or Local Union can call an authorized strike without approval of the International President."
Open questions
The constitution and model bylaws state that local officer voting 'shall be in person by secret ballot' at polls; this is a stated method rather than an express ban on electronic voting, and counsel should confirm whether it is exclusive. Ratification votes are by secret ballot 'at such times and places' in each Local Union, which implies but does not expressly require in-person voting; the strike provisions address authority, not voting method.
Context
- A Special International Convention (St. Louis, Oct. 28-29, 2025) was announced 'to codify the Resolutions of the International Executive Board into the UMWA Constitution'; the amended constitution text, if any, was not obtained (latest OLMS filing is the 2022 edition).
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
- Constitution of the International Union, United Mine Workers of America (OLMS attachment 'FINAL CONSTITUTION 2022.pdf', 'Constitution, Bylaws and Other Attachments', filed by MINE WORKERS, UNITED, AFL-CIO, National Headquarters, OLMS file no. 000-063, received 2026-02-18) — Effective June 9, 2022, pursuant to the International Convention of 2022 (June 6-9, 2022); as amended pursuant to the 56th Consecutive Constitutional Convention (Art. 21). https://olmsapps.dol.gov/query/orgReport.do?rptId=73361&rptForm=attachment (accessed 2026-10-21)
- United Mine Workers of America Model Bylaws for Local Unions (OLMS attachment 'ByLaws 2015.pdf', same filer, received 2026-02-18) — Marked 'REVISED 2015' on final page. https://olmsapps.dol.gov/query/orgReport.do?rptId=73362&rptForm=attachment (accessed 2026-10-21)
- Special International Convention (umwa.org; lead only, used to flag a possible later amendment) — Announces a special convention in St. Louis, October 28-29, 2025. https://umwa.org/news-media/journal/special-international-convention/ (accessed 2026-10-21)
Not verified: Could not obtain any post-2022 constitution text or the IEB resolutions referenced for the 2025 special convention. No international election manual found. The model bylaws filed are the 2015 revision; whether a newer model exists was not verified.
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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