Local Unions Elect Their Own Delegates - Each local sends a certain number of delegates based on the number of enrolled members — the larger the local, the more delegates it can send to DA. Not all local unions send delegates or the full number of delegates allowed.
• Important! Any local union that has not submitted at least 40% of its annual dues to IEA by 10 days before DA will not be allowed to seat delegates.
Go Through the Nomination Process - Your local union should notify you of the nomination process in late 2025 or very early 2026. You can nominate yourself for the position or a fellow member can nominate you. Either way, your nomination forms must be submitted to your local union president, who turn them into IEA in early February.
• Local union presidents: You will receive multiple emails about the number of delegates your union may send, upcoming deadlines and instructions on how to submit delegate information. Please look for these emails starting in the last quarter of 2025.
Participate in the Election - Your local union will call an election to officially confirm DA delegates, who will be chosen via secret ballot. The election is open to all active, retired and aspiring educator members within your local. If you receive a plurality of the vote, you’ll head to DA!
• Did you know? IEA Board of Directors members and region presidents are considered ex-officio delegates, which means they automatically gain delegate spots at DA.
Elected? Join Your Mini-DA! - Mini DAs will be held in your region in advance of the full Delegate Assembly. During the Mini DA, you and other delegates will get a crash course in how DA works — learning everything from which entrance to use to how to participate in debate. As a delegate, it’s crucial you attend your Mini DA so the full assembly goes smoothly.
Use Your Educator Voice.
