Board Candidate Code of Conduct: Communications with the ARIN Electorate

1. General Principles

Candidates for the ARIN Board of Trustees shall conduct their communications with the ARIN electorate in a manner that is professional and respectful. All communications should foster an environment of integrity, transparency, and fairness.

2. Permissible Communications

Candidates may engage with the ARIN electorate to discuss their qualifications, vision, and priorities for the organization. Such communications may include:

  • Participation in official candidate forums organized by ARIN.
  • Written statements submitted to ARIN for distribution.
  • Direct, one-on-one discussions with eligible voters, provided they remain respectful and non-coercive.
  • Each Candidate shall be allowed to send one message to all of the voting points of contact for member organizations in the ARIN electorate. This message will be sent by ARIN and will cc all candidates to ensure transparency.

3. Prohibited Communications

Candidates shall not:

  • Disseminate false, misleading, or defamatory statements about other nominees, ARIN, or any of its members.
  • Engage in negative campaigning or personal attacks.
  • Use confidential or proprietary ARIN information in campaign communications.
  • Make promises or commitments that are outside the scope of Board responsibilities or authority.
  • Engage in unsolicited direct outreach to members of the ARIN electorate including, but not limited to, through bulk messaging platforms such as LinkedIn, email mass mailers, or other bulk communication tools.
  • Use paid advertisements or sponsored content in any medium to promote their candidacy, ensuring that financial resources do not create an unfair advantage in the election process.

4. Use of ARIN Resources

  • Candidates may not use ARIN’s official communication channels, including email lists, internal forums, or social media accounts, unless explicitly permitted.
  • Campaigning through ARIN-sponsored events shall be subject to equal access rules to ensure fairness among candidates.
  • To ensure fairness, protect the privacy of the ARIN electorate, and avoid excessive messaging, Candidate communications shall be batched into a single distribution coordinated by ARIN. Candidate will not have direct access to individual email addresses of the electorate, including that of a members voting point of contact.

5. Compliance and Reporting

  • Any Candidate found violating these guidelines may be subject to disqualification or other disciplinary measures as determined by the ARIN Board.
  • Members who believe a Candidate has engaged in improper communications may report concerns to ARIN’s Board Election Officer or ARIN’s General Counsel for review.

A digital version of this form will be provided to each Board candidate, to be signed and returned, in advance of publication of the slate of candidates.

ARIN Election Processes