In a prior article, we talked about what it means to run for a District or Department office. This time, we focus on the document that often makes a candidacy official: the Post nominating resolution. While it may seem like simple paperwork, this resolution plays an important role in keeping elections orderly, fair, and grounded in the organization’s rules.
Post Nominating Resolutions
Your “Ticket” to Run for District or Department Office
A nominating resolution is the formal way a Post states, in writing, that it is nominating one of its members for a specific District or Department office. It is not a campaign flyer, an endorsement speech, or a personal letter of support. It is a recorded action of the Post, adopted by vote, and backed by the authority of the Post itself.
Within the Department of Washington, nominating resolutions are a recognized method of nomination for both District and Department offices. For District offices, the nomination comes from the Legionnaire’s own Post and is submitted to the District Commander, with a copy provided to the Department Adjutant. For Department offices, the Post nominating resolution must be submitted to the Department Adjutant at least 90 days prior to the Department Convention. These requirements help ensure nominations are legitimate, verifiable, and clearly tied to the nominee’s home Post.
Although nominations may also be made from the floor at the appropriate meeting, even those nominations require proper written support at the time they are made. In practice, a Post nominating resolution is the cleanest and least disputed way to meet that requirement. It removes uncertainty and prevents confusion during elections.
Like all Legion resolutions, a nominating resolution follows a standard format. It includes brief background statements, commonly written as “WHEREAS” clauses, followed by a clear “RESOLVED” clause that states exactly what the Post is doing. In nomination resolutions, the resolved clause is the most important part. It must clearly name the Legionnaire and the specific office for which they are being nominated.
Just as important as the wording is the process. A valid nominating resolution is not created by a single officer acting alone. It should be presented at a Post meeting, voted on by the Post, and recorded in the minutes. This shows that the nomination reflects the will of the Post, not just the preference of one individual. Remember, if an action is not recorded in the minutes, it didn’t happen! Proper adoption and documentation protect both the nominee and the organization.
Problems arise when these steps are skipped. Nominations become questionable when the office being sought is not clearly stated, when there is no proof the Post actually acted, or when the resolution comes from the wrong Post. Keeping the resolution short, factual, and focused on the nomination avoids most of these issues.
At its core, the Post nominating resolution serves one purpose: it provides a clear, written record that a Post has formally nominated one of its members for District or Department office, in accordance with the rules. It is not about personalities or campaigning. It is about process, clarity, and accountability.
Understanding and using nominating resolutions correctly helps ensure elections are conducted fairly and consistently. When the rules are followed, everyone benefits – the nominee, the voters, and the organization as a whole.
Helpful Links
Candidate Resolution Template
American Legion Basic Training
Sources
The American Legion Resolution Writing Guide / Resolution Booklet (2017)
Department of Washington Constitution & Bylaws