1672 Amie, Jr., Kerl, and Pruitte v. Local Union 276

The results of a Local Union election will not be disturbed unless it has been established by clear and convincing evidence that some improper practice occurred to such a degree that it could have affected the outcome of the election.  Appellants have not met this burden.  The mistakes identified by appellants were either trivial or involved the kind of errors that should have been brought to the attention of the Local Election Committee so that they could be dealt with immediately.  Appellants have characterized fairly typical campaign rhetoric as intimidation and coercion.  Arguments made in the context of political campaigns are protected by the guarantee of free speech set forth in the Ethical Practices Codes and will not serve as the basis for overturning an election.