Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible voters in the 2026 Overseers election include all Harvard degree holders whose degrees were received by January 1, 2026, except for members of the Harvard Corporation and officers of government or instruction in the University. Eligible voters in the 2026 HAA Elected Directors election include all Harvard degree holders whose degrees were received by January 1, 2026.

The 2026 election will begin April 1. Eligible voters will have the option of either voting online or by paper ballot. Completed ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 19.

For a summary of the process, go to this link: https://elections.harvard.edu/elections-process

By rule, the ballot materials separately identify the candidates nominated by the HAA nominating committee and any nominated by petition. The order of candidates within each category is determined by lot.

The Board comprises 30 Overseers elected by Harvard alumni, together with the president and treasurer of the University, who serve ex officio. Typically, five Overseers are elected each spring to serve six-year terms that begin on the day after Commencement.  

The Overseers bring a broad range of experience and perspectives to bear on the work of the University. The class elected in 2025, for instance, includes:

• a non-profit healthcare leader
• a national broadcaster and radio host
• an environmental economist
• a former medical school dean
• a technology and media executive
• an actor, producer, and writer

A full list of the present members of the Board of Overseers appears here:

https://www.harvard.edu/about/leadership-and-governance/board-of-overseers/

The Board of Overseers is one of Harvard’s two governing boards, along with the President and Fellows, also known as the Corporation. Formally established in 1642, the Board plays an integral role in the governance of the University. As a central part of its work, the Board directs the visitation process, the primary means for periodic external assessment of Harvard’s schools and departments. Through its array of standing committees, and the roughly fifty visiting committees that report to them, the Board probes the quality of Harvard’s programs and assures that the University remains true to its charter as a place of learning. More generally, drawing on its members’ diverse experience and expertise, the Board provides counsel to the University’s leadership on priorities, plans, and strategic initiatives.

The Board typically gathers five times a year for plenary and committee meetings, in addition to the time Overseers devote to other Harvard service. The plenary sessions commonly focus on a topic prominent on the University’s agenda—in areas such as innovations in teaching and learning, research initiatives throughout the arts and sciences and the professions, and efforts to enhance connections across the University’s schools and to amplify Harvard programs’ beneficial impact on the wider world. Plenary sessions typically include reports from standing committees and a discussion with the President of the University about key issues and challenges. The Board also has the power of consent to certain actions such as the election of Corporation members.

In all their activities, the Overseers bring to bear their best judgment and their deep commitment to Harvard’s overarching academic mission and long-term institutional interests.

The HAA Board of Directors empowers volunteers to strengthen the Harvard alumni community. Eighteen directors are elected by the alumni as their “at-large” representatives. Other directors are appointed to represent a specific region, class or alumni organization. Elected Directors provide leadership for the HAA and its various committees, a capacity often demonstrated by a record of service to Harvard and an ability to communicate widely and effectively with other alumni.

If you did not receive the email invitation to vote electronically, you can use the unique election validation number (EVN) on your paper ballot and the ballot site address (provided on the buck slip included within) to go online and vote.

You can call the Election Services Co. (ESC) help desk toll-free at 1-866-720-4357 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm ET) to request a replacement ballot. You can also email the help desk at harvard@electionservicescorp.com. Please include your name, mailing address, degree, and graduation year. You may also vote online either through the email invitation or with the unique election validation number (EVN) on your paper ballot and the ballot site address.

If you are concerned that your paper ballot may not be received on time, you are encouraged to vote online.  You may vote online either through the email invitation or with the unique election validation number (EVN) on your paper ballot and the ballot site address.  ESC will make best efforts to accommodate any special requests for replacement paper ballots.

To learn more about how ESC manages the election and keeps your vote secure, please go to http://electionservicesco.com/pages/faqs.php

There is no software required for a voter to download or install to use ESC online voting solutions. All ESC security solutions comply with rigorous industry standards and are compatible with the widest range of platforms available.  

After submitting your ballot, you will receive a thank you page confirming that it’s been received.  

Yes, you can change your vote before your ballot is officially submitted for processing. After you make your selections, they will be displayed on a confirmation screen. At that time, you may either return to the ballot page to change your selections or submit your ballot. Once your ballot is submitted, however, it cannot be changed. 

The voting website can be accessed on any device that will connect to the Internet.  

Some individuals prefer to vote via paper. There is an option on the online ballot to opt out of future paper mailings.  

You can send an email to haa_alumnihelp@harvard.edu or you can log in directly to the alumni directory at alumni.harvard.edu to edit your contact information.

The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) is committed to building an inclusive environment that fosters alumni engagement with curiosity, humility, and respect. It welcomes a wide range of perspectives and thoughtful debate among Harvard alumni and requests that those who engage uphold these values. 

During elections, alumni are asked to treat one another with respect as fellow members of the Harvard community and to avoid behavior that demeans or targets individuals or groups. Civil discourse and open dialogue are hallmarks of a vibrant community; personal attacks, harassment, and hostile conduct are inconsistent with these principles.