Elections and Succession Planning

Every club elects leaders who strive to keep the club running smoothly, motivate members, and improve the quality of the club experience.

How often new officers are elected depends on how often the club meets. Clubs that meet weekly may elect officers annually or semiannually. If the club elects semiannually, elections are held at the first meeting in May and again at the first meeting in November. Clubs that meet less frequently than weekly must elect officers annually, with the elections in May.

Annual office terms must run from July 1 through June 30; semiannual terms must run from July 1 through December 31 and January 1 through June 30. Holding elections at any other time is in direct conflict with the Club Constitution for Clubs of Toastmasters International and Bylaws of Toastmasters International.

Guidelines for conducting an officer election, including a script for the presiding officer, can be found in the Club Leadership Handbook.

When your club has elected new officers, the current president or secretary should submit their names and contact information to World Headquarters online through Club Central.

If your club is not able to submit its officer list online, you can complete and submit the Club and Officer Information Form to World Headquarters via email.

Deadlines for all submission types are June 30 for annual elections and June 30 and December 31 for semiannual elections.