Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/CheckUser and Oversight/August 2009 election

The Arbitration Committee has determined that there is a need for additional oversighters and checkusers to improve workload distribution and ensure complete, timely response to requests. Beginning 20 June 2009, experienced editors were invited to apply for either or both of the Oversight or CheckUser permissions. Current holders of either permission were also invited to apply for the other. Interested editors must have emailed  by 1 July 2009, and were sent a questionnaire to complete. The timeline for the process is below.

Those applying for consideration as checkuser and/or oversight candidates should be familiar with the applicable CheckUser and Oversight policies, as well as the WMF Privacy policy. Checkuser candidates are expected to be familiar with basic technological issues and sockpuppetry investigation tools and techniques. Successful candidates will also have good communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

Anyone considering applying should be aware that checkusers and oversighters (and candidates for these permissions) are subject to considerable internal and external scrutiny. This scrutiny can include attempts to investigate on- and off-wiki activities, and can result in revealing personal details of the candidates or contacts with employers, family or others. This risk will continue if the candidate is successful in the election. There is limited ability within Wikipedia to prevent off-wiki “outing” or harassment.

Timeline of election process

 * June 20 – Announcement of upcoming election and invitation to request applications.
 * July 1 – Deadline to request applications
 * July 3 – Deadline for submission of applications
 * June 20 – July 20 – Arbitration Committee review of submissions
 * July 21–27 – Preparation for election, including offers of nomination to selected candidates
 * Pages will be created for candidates who accept nomination.
 * The nominees may post a brief statement as of 0001 UTC on July 25
 * The community may begin posing questions of the nominees as of 0001 UTC on July 26


 * July 28 – August 10 – voting
 * August 11–16 – Arbitration Committee review of results
 * August 16 – Announcement of results