Update on Referendum to Extend Officer Terms

The NEB passed Motion #17-11-25 in closed session on December 18, 2025 to fund $40,000 for a special referendum to extend the terms of office for current and future national officers. The current terms are two years for national President, Secretary/Treasurer and the ten Regional Vice Presidents, with limits of two terms for the President and three terms for the other officers. The proposed change is to elect national and regional officers for terms of three years, with two term limits. A proviso is added that current officers about to be “termed-out” can extend their term for an extra three years. Members are urged to vote when the ballots are emailed on January 26, 2026. Those without an email on record may contact NARFE HQ to request a paper ballot.

The following information was sent out by Cindy Renee’ Blythe, National Secretary/Treasurer:

This is just the first step in moving NARFE forward towards supporting our continuing sustainability. The proposed amendment is to change the term limits from two years to three years for all NEB members. The justification for this change is to: (a) provide consistency among all NEB elected members’ term limits; (b) potentially retain continuity of NEB leadership; (c) potentially allow the current NEB to focus on completing projects and assignments initiated during the present term; and (d) enhance continuity and organizational effectiveness in the face of frequent uncertainties with the Federal Government.

The proposed amendment has been processed by the Bylaws Committee and was unanimously recommended for approval.

It is imperative to note the following deadlines for this referendum:

January 16, 2026 – deadline for paper ballot requests to NARFE (6:00 p.m. EST)
January 26, 2026 – online voting begins
January 30, 2026 – date by which all paper ballots will have been mailed
February 24, 2026 – voting ends
February 28, 2026 – results posted on the NARFE website

The referendum ballot will be posted on the NARFE website at www.narfe.org/2026-referendum, along with a copy of the Bylaws Committee Report. The copy of the referendum ballot is being provided for your information, and cannot be used to cast a vote. Any questions should be directed to your Regional Vice President.