User:Neutron/ACE2012RFC

Statement by User:Neutron
In light of an editor's announcement of intent to form a "political party" to contest the ArbCom election here, and some contentious discussion of the idea here, here and here, it is necessary to have an understanding of the role -- or lack thereof -- of parties in the election process. As used in this proposal, the words "party" or "parties" include any grouping, affiliation, common slogan or any other method of organizing or promoting a common group of candidates.

Elections for the Arbitration Committee are nonpartisan, meaning that the structure and conduct of the election do not involve any recognition of parties. In creating the ballot and any other pages related to the election, the election officials will not include any party identification or slogan for any candidate, nor will candidates be grouped by party affiliation or slogan.

There is no rule against a candidate mentioning a party affiliation in his/her self-nominating statement or in answers to questions on the official questions page.


 * Users who endorse this statement: