Greetings, IGDA and other members of the game industry,

Though many of you are probably tired of hearing about elections right now, I wanted to discuss some modifications to the IGDA’s election process. In order to give IGDA membership more input and information about the IGDA Board of Directors elections process, we will be making changes to the IGDA’s 2021 election procedures. 

First, we will be creating an Elections Committee composed of IGDA Board Members and IGDA Members. The purpose of this committee is to make recommendations for appointed IGDA Board seats and to verify the integrity, goodwill, capabilities, and composure of all IGDA Board candidates. 

Second, we will be moving the election process up approximately a month to allow for the Board of Directors to evaluate appointed candidates with full knowledge of the board composition. This is to ensure the Board maintains its diversity and has proper coverage of Board Members with the skills necessary to carry out all of the Board of Directors responsibilities. 

Finally, we will provide more frequent updates to our membership about this process to maintain transparency and keep our membership informed and involved. 

If you are an active IGDA Member and you would like to apply to join the Elections Committee, please Contact Us.

Annual Election Schedule

The following is the rough schedule for the 2021 election cycle. If any of these dates are unable to be maintained due to unforeseen circumstances, the Board of Directors will schedule it at the next most appropriate date: 

4 November 2020: Begin call for Election Committee nominations.
20 November 2020: Close call for Election Committee nominations.
23 November 2020: Board evaluates Election Committee candidates and forms the Election Committee by 30 November 2020.
30 November 2020: Begin call for board nominations.
21 December 2020: End call for nominations; all nominations must be received by this date. All voting eligible members of record as of this date may vote.
21 December 2020 – 8 January 2021: All submitted candidates are reviewed by the Elections Committee to confirm they meet the requirements.
11 January – 19 February: Elections Committee gathers recommendations for Board appointments.
18 January 2021: Final slate of candidates is approved by the Board to present to membership for voting.
20 January – 10 February 2021: Voting period.
10 February 2021: End of voting; ballots are counted.
19 February 2021: Elections Committee submits its recommendations for Board appointments.
22 February 2021: Board meets and certifies election results.
1 March 2021: Election results and appointments are announced and Board orientation of new members begins.
1 April 2021: Newly elected Directors take their seats.

I hope that this new process will provide IGDA members more insight and influence on the nominations and elections of the IGDA Board of Directors.

I wish you all stay in good health and spirits during these times.

Warmest Regards,

Renee Gittins
Executive Director, IGDA