Request for improved election integrity

The Richmond Cheer Squad Reform Group represents a significant number of cheer squad members who have raised concerns about the management of the Official Richmond Cheer Squad.

A key and recurring concern relates to election integrity. Many members feel that the current election processes do not inspire trust. For example, the 2024 election was conducted in a manner that breached Section 17 of the Constitution, which requires that ballots be submitted on an official form and be opened and counted at the AGM. This implies the use of a paper ballot that remains sealed until the AGM.

Section 22 of the Constitution allows for voting to be conducted in a method deemed appropriate. However, this does not negate the requirements of Section 17 and the electronic voting system used in 2024 failed to meet these requirements. Votes were not opened at the AGM could be viewed prior to the AGM by those administering the system, leaving the process vulnerable to potential manipulation.

To address this issue, we request that future elections use official paper ballots, which are to be sealed and submitted directly to a nominated returning officer at the Richmond Football Club. These ballots should remain unopened until they are counted at the AGM by the returning officer.

To ensure accessibility while maintaining integrity, we are satisfied for the sealed ballots to be submitted to the Chairman (as the RFC representative on the Committee), who can then deliver them to the returning officer at the club.

Please note that in the interest of transparency this communication has been published on our website and communicated to interested parties.

We look forward to your response.