Campaigning Prohibited
One of the interesting bylaws of Rotary International provides that "no Rotarian shall campaign, canvass, or electioneer for elective position in Rotary International." This provision includes the offices of District governor, RI director, RI president, and various elected committees. The Rotary policy prohibits the circulation of brochures, literature, or letters by a candidate or anyone on behalf of such a candidate. Only the RI Board via the Election Review Committee has the authority to identify specific activities as campaigning.
After a Rotarian has indicated an intention to be a candidate for one of the elective Rotary offices, he or she must refrain from speaking engagements, appearances, or publicity that could reasonably be construed as furthering his or her candidacy. The only information that may be sent to clubs relating to candidates for an elective position is that which is officially distributed by the general secretary of RI.
A Rotarian who becomes a candidate for an elective position, such as district governor or RI director, must avoid any action that would be interpreted as giving himself or herself an unfair advantage over other candidates. Failure to comply with these provisions prohibiting campaigning could result in the candidate's disqualification. In Rotary, it is believed that a Rotarian's record of service and qualifications for office stand on their own and do not require publicity or special promotion.