Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Braden, W. Search for Related Content

Contested Elections

Providence, R.I.

I am writing to disagree with Dr. Pedro Ruiz about the value of voting for APA officers (Psychiatric News, December 1, 2006). Democracy is a good thing, but to vote responsibly includes making an effort to inform oneself about the candidates and issues. I don't think the choices justify such an effort.

Reading the information in the annual election issue of Psychiatric News by a pair of candidates running for office in APA's 2007 election, I saw that both listed very similar priorities for APA. Character is very important, but I have no direct knowledge of it. I assume that both candidates are of good character, as they were nominated by peers who have worked with them. So in many APA elections, I often find myself choosing based on silly things like gender, geographic origin, academic versus nonacademic job, and so forth.

I remember when just one candidate was nominated, and that system worked about as well as the present one. Please don't misunderstand me. I don't think voting is important; I do think the job of being an officer is important, and I am really grateful that so many fine men and women have been willing to serve. I think even more would serve if they didn't have to go through an election.

Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Braden, W. Search for Related Content

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2007 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us