Since 1972 the Down Under Fan Fund, a fan-supported fellowship, has encouraged closer ties between science- fiction fans in Australasia and North America through an alternating exchange of representatives. DUFF delegates attend the Worldcon or a national convention in the host country and visit fans they might otherwise never meet in person. Delegates are responsible for raising funds and administering DUFF until a new delegate from their continent is elected, and are expected to publish trip reports which can be sold to aid the fund.
VOTING: DUFF uses the preferential balloting system to guarantee an automatic runoff and a majority win. The voter ranks the candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.). If there is no absolute majority for one candidate after the first count of votes, first-place votes for the lowest-ranking candidate are dropped, and the second-place votes on those ballots are assigned to the candidates named. This goes on until one candidate has a majority. So it’s important to vote for second, third, etc. places, especially if you choose to write in a candidate. (The voter is not required to fill in more than their name, address and first choice.)
Ballots must be signed and accompanied by a donation of at least $4US or $6 Australian. Anyone may contribute and donations in excess of the voting minimum are gratefully accepted. Checks should be made payable to Guy and Rosy Lillian (in North America) or Norman Cates (in New Zealand/Australasia) in the administrator’s home currency.
Anyone may vote who has been active in fandom on or before January 1, 2004. "Active in fandom" means involved in fannish pursuits such as fanzine writing or reading, convention running or attending, amateur film/video production, or club participation. Only natural persons may vote. Each voter may vote only once.
CANDIDATES: Two Australasian fans and three North American fans nominate each candidate. Each candidate has written a platform and promised (barring Acts of God) to travel to the Australian National Science Fiction Convention (Natcon), in Tasmania, Australia, June 10-13, 2005, and to serve as administrator of the fund until the next North American delegate is elected.
CHRIS BARKLEY: (Nominated by Maxy Pertuit, Johnny Carruthers, Michael Walsh, North America; Terry Frost, Stephen Dedman, Australasia) No previous Australian travel.
After being active in Fandom for nearly 29 years, as a convention attendee, con worker, media relations specialist for Worldcons, fan writer and activist, it would be an immense pleasure and honor to serve as North American DUFF delegate to Australia’’s national convention and share my various experiences with them and bring back some great ones to share as well. In addition to my own report, I also pledge to write and edit a compendium of all of the DUFF reports into a comprehensive history, the profits of which can be applied to future DUFF endeavors to both continents.
JOE SICLARI: (Nominated by Janice Gelb, Roger and Pat Sims, Geri Sullivan, North America; Eric Lindsay, Stephen Boucher, Australasia) No previous Australian travel.
I’ve pubbed my ishs, worked a couple of hundred conventions, chaired a bunch including MagiCon, been an active clubfan, even started some, without losing my fannish enthusiasm. I collect fannish paraphernalia, so much that there have been wifely threats - but it’s fanhistory! I want to meet fen, hear fannish stories, swap tales and learn more about Australia. If selected, my experience will help me keep DUFF strong. I promise lots of photos in my report so everyone will know who I’m slandering writing about. And for better or worse, I must be candid - I helped instigate the Australia in 2010 Worldcon bid.
DEADLINE: Ballots must be received by midnight April 15, 2005! Send this entire ballot with US$4 or A$6 (or more) donation to an administrator. Results will be posted at http://duff2005.blogspot.com.
VERIFICATION: The voters must be natural persons who have been active in fandom on or before January 1, 2004. If you think you may be unknown to the administrators, please give the name of a fan or fan group (other than a candidate or nominator) who can vouch that you meet these criteria.
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PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND LEGIBLY. LIST IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE (1, 2, 3 ETC.):(__) Chris Barkley
(__) Joe Siclari
(__) Hold Over Funds
(__) No Preference
(__) Write-in _____________________________
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Mail to North American Administrators:
Guy and Rosy Lillian
8700 Millicent Way #1501
Shreveport, LA 71115
USA
or
Mail to Australasia Administrator:
Norman Cates
P.O. Box 13-574
Johnsonville, Wellington
New Zealand