The future of CARC is built by its members! The Columbia Amateur Radio Club will host its annual Club Officer Elections on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM during our regular club meeting at SCETV (1101 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201).
Whether you are a seasoned operator or newly licensed, your voice and vote play an essential role in guiding our repeaters, technical projects, community service nets, and field events for the year ahead. All members are encouraged to attend, participate, and cast their ballot!
🗳️ Voting Eligibility & Absentee Mail-In Options
To cast a ballot—either in person or by mail—you must have your club dues up to date and be a member in good standing with the Columbia Amateur Radio Club.
Can’t make it to ETV in person? You can still make your vote count via mail-in absentee ballot:
- Click HERE to download the PDF Mail-In Ballot (or insert current ballot link).
- Mark your choices and place the completed ballot into a sealed envelope.
- Sign your name across the glued flap on the back of the sealed envelope.
- Mail it to the club address:CARC, PO Box 595, Columbia, SC 29202
- Postmark Deadline: All mailed ballots must be postmarked by October 28, 2026.
Note: Nominations and write-ins are welcomed on absentee ballots as well as from the floor during the November 2 meeting.
📋 Expectations of Elected Board Members
Serving on the CARC Board is an active, rewarding commitment to supporting our membership, maintaining robust club repeater infrastructure, and leading our public service initiatives. Candidates standing for election are expected to uphold the following standards:
- Regular Attendance & Vacancy Policy: Attend monthly club meetings at ETV and participate in scheduled Board of Directors meetings (in-person or virtual). Officers and directors are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of regular meetings and may miss no more than two consecutive meetings without prior excused notice. Unexcused absences exceeding this threshold will result in the seat being reviewed by the Board and considered vacant, initiating appointment or special election procedures under club bylaws.
- Operational Oversight & Governance: Collaborate closely on club decisions, budget approvals, technical repeater maintenance plans, and compliance with CARC bylaws.
- Active Event Leadership: Champion signature club activities throughout the year—including ARRL Field Day, public service communications, local hamfests, and license examination sessions.
- Mentorship & Community Ambassador: Serve as an approachable guide for newcomers, foster active Elmering, and keep members engaged across our local frequencies and nets.
🏛️ Role-Specific Highlights
- President & Vice President: Steer executive leadership, coordinate meeting agendas, drive long-range vision, and represent CARC across regional amateur radio events.
- Secretary: Accurately record and publish meeting minutes, oversee official club correspondence, and preserve historical records.
- Treasurer: Manage finances, maintain active membership dues records, file necessary administrative paperwork, and present regular financial statements.
- Directors (At-Large): Provide independent governance, champion membership interests during board sessions, and lead key committee initiatives.
- Trustee: Ensure strict FCC license compliance, proper operation, and physical security of club callsigns and repeater facilities.
📝 Current Ballot
Below is the current ballot lineup. Write-in candidates may be submitted on your mail-in ballot or directly in person at the meeting. To write in someone on the absentee ballot or in person during voting at the November 2 club meeting.
| Position | Name | Call | Incumbent |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Jim Lathan | W4JLP | Yes |
| Vice President | Paul Finan | N4PRF | Yes |
| Treasurer | Amanda McKinnis | K4ASM | Yes |
| Secretary | Wes Munn | KJ4FIG | Yes |
| Director (2 year term) | Brad Carlton | KN4LPJ | |
| 2 slots to be filled | John Kiselica | W4SFX | Yes |
| Nick Paton | K4NAS | ||
| Trustee | Don Taylor | K4KGT | |
| Mike Wieber | N4BQQ | ||
Let’s make this year’s election a strong showing of member participation and club spirit. See you at ETV on November 2nd!
73, CARC
