Council Election: Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated June 2026
What is the Council?
The WGAE Council is the governing body of the WGAE consisting of 20 Council members: twelve (12) Film/TV/Streaming Council members, five (5) Online Media Council members and three (3) Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News Council members), plus five (5) officers: President, Secretary-Treasurer and three (3) Vice-Presidents, one from each work sector.
What are the different work sectors?
Film/TV/Streaming members work in screen, television, podcasts and new media; Online Media members work in digital-first news shops; Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News members work in traditional broadcast and cable news shops and newer streaming shops, all in positions under the Guild’s jurisdiction.
What does the Council do?
- Establishes Guild policy and organizing objectives.
- Manages funds and property of the Guild.
- Appoints Guild Trustees to the Producer-Writers Guild of America Pension Plan and the Writers Guild-Industry Health Fund.
- Constructs and interprets the provisions of the Guild’s Constitution and By-Laws.
- Appoints both standing and ad hoc committees.
- Hires the Executive Director.
How long is the term of office for Council members and officers?
2 years.
How often does the Council meet?
Monthly, usually on the first Thursday.
How long are the Council meetings?
Typically, meetings run between one and three hours.
How many vacancies are there?
The 2026 WGAE election will include the following open positions: Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News Vice President, Online Media Vice President, six (6) Film/TV/Streaming Council seats, three (3) Broadcast/Cable/Streaming News Council seats, and two (2) Online Media Council seats.
Who is eligible to run for Council positions?
Any member in good standing who has been a member of the work sector in which they are running for one year preceding September 22, 2026, the date of this year’s election.
How does one get nominated?
Beginning July 1, 2026, an eblast to all current members in good standing will solicit nominations for Council members (and officers, for applicable sectors). Nomination forms will also be available online. A mailing soliciting nominations will go out a few days before.
Current members in good standing in their sector may nominate others and/or themselves for an open Council or Officer seat in their sector. Nominations must be received by no later than 5:00 PM EDT on July 21, 2026.
If a member is nominated for a Vice President or Council seat in a work sector to which they do not belong, that nomination will not be valid.
How does voting occur?
Members may vote online or by mail during the voting period. The voting period runs from 9:00 AM EDT on September 10, 2026, to 5:00 PM EDT on September 22, 2026.
Members may vote in person on September 22, 2026 between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM EDT at the Guild office. An advance RSVP is required to vote in person. Information about how to RSVP for in-person voting will be circulated to members prior to the voting period.
How can I learn more about the campaign process and rules?
The 2026 WGAE Nominations and Election Policy for Officers and Council Members (PDF) includes comprehensive information about the process and rules, as well as a timeline of important dates and deadlines.
If you have any questions about this or any of the above information, email elections@wgaeast.org.