AU Members Begin Voting in 2026 Election
The American Racing Pigeon Union will hold its 2026 election this summer, with voting closing at 5:00 p.m. Central time on July 15, 2026.
Lauren Gandara, Executive Director of the American Racing Pigeon Union, issued the following official statement regarding the election:
“The AU is pleased to announce that voting for the organization’s election officially begins today, June 1, and will remain open through July 15. Every eligible member will receive a paper ballot by mail with the option to cast their vote by returning the ballot through the mail or by voting online. Members who have an email address on file with the AU have also been sent voting information electronically for added convenience. The AU encourages all members to participate in this important election process and make their voices heard. Ballots must be submitted by July 15 to be counted. Thank you to all members for your continued involvement and support of the American Racing Pigeon Union.”
This year’s election includes the offices of President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Treasurer, Lakes Zone Director, Southwest Zone Director, and Pacific Mountain Zone Director. Under the AU Constitution and Bylaws, officers and directors serve four-year terms.
The candidates listed for the 2026 election are:
National Officers’ Elections
Crazy Al Christeleit – President
Terry Finnerty – Executive Vice President
No Candidate Filed – Vice President
Butch Shoop – Treasurer
Zone Director Elections
Dave Wilson – Lakes Zone Director
• Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia
Roland Gutierrez – Southwest Zone Director
• Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean locations, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Tim Perry – Pacific Mountain Zone Director
• Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada
All filed races are uncontested. However, AU members will still have the opportunity to vote. The 2026 election also includes the newly created elected position of Treasurer.
No candidate filed for the office of Vice President. Under the AU Constitution and Bylaws, if the office of Vice President is vacant, the President may appoint a person to serve, subject to the advice and consent of the AU Board of Directors, until a successor is elected or appointed and takes office.
Members should watch for their paper ballot in the mail. Members with an email address on file should also check their inboxes for a message titled “American Racing Pigeon Union 2026 Election.” The email was sent on June 1 by YesElections from help@yeselections.com. Depending on the member’s email provider, the message may appear in a junk, spam, promotions, or “All Mail” folder.
Eligible members may cast only one ballot, either electronically or by paper ballot.
For technical assistance with the electronic voting process, members may contact YesElections at Help+ARPU@YesElections.com or call 866-384-9978.
Members with questions or who need assistance may also contact the American Racing Pigeon Union at 405-848-5801.
AU members are encouraged to participate in the 2026 election.
