Delegate Candidate Information
The 2026 AFT National Convention will be held Thursday, July 16- Sunday, July 19, 2026 (all day, each day), at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC. The arrival day is Wednesday, July 15.
URA members may nominate themselves, and members may nominate other members to serve as delegates to the AFT convention. Nominations (of self and others) can be made via the Delegate Nomination Form – Fill out form by February 6 at 3 pm or at the membership meeting on February 9, 2026. Delegate nominees must be signed members in good standing.
For the National Convention URA-AFT, Local 1766 has typically approved travel expenses for the President plus up to the top five vote-getters. The remaining top vote-getters will be alternates for the purposes of paid travel expenses or have the option to attend the convention at their own expense. We have said “typically” at this time, we are waiting for the National AFT Office to confirm the number of delegates that can attend this convention.
Typically, up to the top five vote-getting delegates and the President attending the convention will:
- Receive 100% reimbursement of allowable travel, housing, and meals (not covered by the convention) expenses.
- Must use paid time off (PTO) from Rutgers – union release time will not be allowed for convention attendance or travel.
- Delegates are expected to attend all business sessions of the convention, committee meetings as assigned, and educational workshops when they are offered.
Notes:
Those elected to be delegates, after being notified, will be contacted about how and when to book travel arrangements and how/when to submit receipts as proof of travel arrangements. This process allows for better rates for travel expenses. If deadlines are not met, the number six vote-getter will be notified.
Travel reimbursements will not be accepted until after the travel is completed. All reimbursements will be processed as soon as possible.
Direct questions to elections@ura-aft.org.