NARFE Referendum to Change National Officer Term Limits

A Jan. 6 Election Services Co. email announced that “NARFE will conduct a special referendum from January 26 through February 24 to allow members to vote on an important governance matter. Voting will be conducted securely by Election Services Co.” National Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Blythe followed up with an email on Jan. 7 that provided details, background information and deadlines for the referendum process:

“The proposed bylaw amendment was submitted by the Colorado Federation and approved by the National Executive Board (NEB). … 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.”

NARFE members can visit the 2026 Referendum page on the National website to read the Report of the Bylaws Committee, details and deadlines for the referendum and a sample ballot. NARFE also opened a community on FEDHub to facilitate discussion amongst members about the referendum – Bylaw Amendment Proposal for 2026 Referendum.

Members who don’t have an email account or haven’t listed an email address with National will get a postcard in the mail with instructions.