openSUSE Board Election 2026 Begins
Key points
The openSUSE Election Committee has opened the 2026 openSUSE Board Election, with three Board seats to be filled. The Board asked that the vote be finished by Dec. 1, 2026, as recorded in Board ticket #108.
Timeline
- Oct. 24, 2026: election announced, nominations and candidacy applications open, membership drive starts.
- Nov. 14, 2026: final candidate list published and campaigning starts. The membership database is sealed on this date. People who join after it can still apply for membership and vote, but cannot stand in this election.
- Nov. 15, 2026: voting opens while campaigning continues.
- Nov. 22, 2026: voting closes.
- Nov. 23, 2026: results are published.
How to stand
- Eligible openSUSE members can put themselves forward or nominate other community members.
- Applications go to both
[email protected]and[email protected]. - Every candidate is expected to publish a platform covering who they are, their work in the openSUSE Project, and why they want a Board seat and what they would prioritise.
- Platforms must be published before the final candidate list comes out on Nov. 14. The wiki has a sample platform from the previous election.
Rules and contingencies
- Under the openSUSE Board Election Rules, the nomination period can be extended if too few candidates apply. Any schedule change will be announced.
- If the election leaves seats unfilled, the sitting Board can appoint members to them.
- More details are on the openSUSE wiki. The announcement was first sent to the project mailing list.
Summary by DistroNews, based on the original post.
The openSUSE Election Committee has announced the start of the 2026 openSUSE Board Election. Three Board seats are up for election, and all eligible openSUSE members are encouraged to take part.
The openSUSE Board asked for the election to be completed by Dec. 1, 2026, as outlined in Board ticket #108. More information is available on the openSUSE wiki.
Election Timeline
- Oct. 24, 2026: Election announced; call for nominations and applications for Board candidacy; membership drive begins
- Nov. 14, 2026: Final list of candidates announced; campaign begins; membership database sealed (new members can still apply and vote, but can no longer run as candidates in this election)
- Nov. 15, 2026: Ballots open; campaign continues
- Nov. 22, 2026: Ballots close
- Nov. 23, 2026: Election results announced
How to Participate
The Election Committee encourages all eligible openSUSE members to consider standing for election or nominating fellow community members. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to contribute to the direction and governance of the openSUSE Project.
To stand for election, send your application to both:
Election Platforms
All candidates are expected to publish an election platform introducing themselves, their involvement in the openSUSE Project, and their motivation and priorities for serving on the Board. An example platform from the previous election is available on the wiki.
Platforms should be published before the final candidate list is announced on Nov. 14.
Election Rules
According to the openSUSE Board Election Rules, the nomination period may be extended if not enough candidates come forward. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated accordingly. The sitting Board may also appoint members to fill vacant seats if not enough candidates are elected.
The original announcement was sent to the project mailing list.
By [email protected] (openSUSE Election Committee), from openSUSE News, reproduced under CC BY-SA 3.0. Formatting is simplified and images in the text are omitted.
Read the original at news.opensuse.org