A union election is a formal, democratic process that allows workers to decide whether or not they desire to be represented by a labor union. In this election, we are voting whether or not we wish to unite in SEIU Wisconsin, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). 

The election is run by the National Labor Relations Board, a government agency that governs the relationship between a private sector employer and its employees, including administering fair, secret ballot elections.

• DATE: Thursday, June 11, 2026

• VOTING HOURS: 6–8 a.m., 2–4 p.m., and 6–8 p.m.

• LOCATION: In Conference Room 1 at St. Mary’s Hospital

  
  Nurses are free to vote at any time the polls are open. All votes must be cast in-person on June 11 by 8 p.m. You may not vote online, over the phone, or have someone else complete your ballot for you.

• All full-time and regular part-time registered nurses employed by SSM St. Mary’s Hospital during the payroll period ending May 16, 2026, including charge nurses. 

• All registered nurses who have worked an average of four hours or more per week during the 13 weeks immediately preceding the eligibility date for the election, including PRN nurses.

  NOTE: Determining who is in or out of our union is ultimately decided by the NLRB, not our employer!

When you arrive in Conference Room 1, an NLRB agent will check your name against a list of eligible nurses and hand you an official ballot. Please bring a copy of your hospital badge or a form of ID with you. If your vote is challenged or your name is missing from the list, the NLRB agent will hand you a ballot and you can vote. Follow all instructions closely to ensure your vote is counted.

You will step into a private voting booth and mark your choice secretly with an X. After you’ve marked your choice on the ballot with an X, fold your ballot, and place it directly into the secure NLRB ballot box.

You should still vote! If your vote is challenged or you are told your name is not on the list, the NLRB agent will still allow you to vote. Whether or not to count a challenged vote is decided post-election.

Employers often use voter challenges (especially with PRN and charge nurses) to try to cause doubt and confusion.

Election results are determined by a simple majority (50% + 1). After voting closes, NLRB agents begin counting ballots. Challenged ballots are set aside while uncontested ballots are counted. The the NLRB will only make a determination regarding whether or not to count the challenged ballots if there are enough to change the outcome of the election after all other non-challenged ballots are counted.

Some of our coworkers will serve as election observers on behalf of our union to make sure that all votes are fairly and accurately counted.

Every vote adds to the strength of our union at the bargaining table, and our goal is to win with a strong majority that gives us the power to win the staffing, compensation, and voice we need to provide excellent patient care and ensure safe working conditions. 

Save the date, make a plan, and get ready to cast your vote!

Thursday, June 11
6–8 a.m. | 2–4 p.m. | 6–8 p.m.
Conference Room 1 at St. Mary’s Hospital