Harvard Works Because We Do Harvard Union of
Clerical and Technical Workers

HUCTW Elections

Online Voting for Contract Ratification, May 12-13, 2026

HUCTW members will vote online, via a unique access link sent to each member by email, which will open an electronic ballot. This unique access link will be randomly generated for each member by the third-party vendor, ElectionBuddy (which specializes in the management of union elections) and will allow you to vote securely and anonymously.

As long as you are a signed HUCTW member, you will be sent a unique access link by email automatically. If you would also like to have your access link texted to your cellphone, please fill out our Cellphone Submission Form by May 7 at 5:00 pm. If you choose to provide your cell number, the same access link will be both emailed and texted to you and you can choose either method to cast your vote. No matter which method you choose, your vote will remain anonymous, and election administrators will not be able to connect a member to their vote.

 

Voter Checklist

  • Notify HUCTW​ by May 7 at 5:00 if you’d like to use your cellphone number to vote by submitting your information here. ​If you opt in to vote by text, you will be both emailed and texted the same unique access link to vote when the Contract Ratification Vote opens, allowing you to only vote once.
  • Sign a Membership Card in advance of the vote if you have not already done so. HUCTW Elections are only open to signed Union members. Electronic ballots will be sent to those staff who have signed a card by May 7, 2026 by 5:00 pm. (If you’ve signed or voted in the past, you do not need to sign again!) Unsigned staff may join by downloading and filling out a writable pdf membership card and emailing it to huctw.info@huctw.org by the deadline.
  • Review the Tentative Agreement to decide whether you want to vote YES to ratify the Tentative Agreement or vote NO to not ratify the Tentative Agreement.
  • Keep an eye out for your invitation to vote, which will arrive by email (and text, if registered) on May 12 shortly after 8:00 am. The invitation will contain a unique access link that will give you access to your electronic ballot.
  • Use the link to v​ote YES or NO. HUCTW contracts must be ratified by simple majority. Voting closes May 13 at 5:00 pm.

You will receive confirmation that your vote was received and recorded by the ElectionBuddy system. Results will be posted to our website by May 14.

For general information about HUCTW elections, please visit our HUCTW Elections Basics page.

 

FAQ Regarding Online Voting:

Q: Why are HUCTW Elections held online?A: Historically, HUCTW Elections have been conducted in person over the course of a single day at numerous voting locations where our members work. Since 2021, we have modified our voting process in order to address health and safety concerns due to COVID and the fact that most members are working hybrid schedules. Our goal has been to match the fairness, accuracy, and accessibility of our usual in-person process, while meeting established and new election regulations from our parent union, AFSCME, and the federal government.

Q: Is there a place I can vote in person this time around?
A: All voting will take place online, via electronic ballot. You will be emailed a unique access code to access your electronic ballot, and you can opt to have this same unique access code texted to your cell phone by registering here by May 7 at 5:00 pm.

Q: How does the Union administer electronic elections? How do we know it is fair and secure?A: We will use a system designed and managed by the company, ElectionBuddy. It is a system used by many other unions across the U.S. for voting and elections. We have ensured that ElectionBuddy satisfies all HUCTW, AFSCME, and Federal requirements around voter anonymity security regulations.

Q: It’s May 12 and I didn’t get a voting link—help!
A: If you do not receive an email and/or text with a unique access code by 8:15 am on May 12, please reach out to huctw.elections@huctw.org as soon as possible, and no later than 12:00 pm on May 13.

If you have other questions, please contact the elections committee at huctw.elections@huctw.org.