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Important Dates for the 2026 AANP Election

The 2026 Call for Nominations is now open!

The 2026 ballot will include President-elect, Secretary, Region Director, State Liaison, and Nomination Council positions.

  • July 15, 2025 – Nominations are open.
  • Sept. 8, 2025 – Nominations close at 11:59pm PT.
  • Feb. 2, 2026 – Slate of candidates are posted.
  • March 2, 2026 – Voting Opens
  • March 31, 2026 – Voting Closes at 11:59pm PT.
  • April 3, 2026 – Election results are posted to AANP website.
  • June 29, 2026 – Term of office begins.

Elections

AANP Election

Members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) are a crucial component of the organization's leadership. AANP relies on the experience and expertise of nurse practitioner (NP) leaders to guide the association and advance the NP role.


AANP's Board of Directors (BOD) is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - a non-voting member - and NPs who are elected by association members. In addition to the four officers and 11 region directors who serve on the BOD, eligible AANP members can also vote for their state liaisons (SLs) and members of the AANP Nomination Council. Members also vote on proposed bylaws changes (when applicable).

Individual members of AANP in good standing for the 12 months prior to Sept. 16, 2025, may submit their information for consideration as a candidate in the 2026 election. Please refer to the "Eligibility to Run for Office" section below for additional information regarding eligibility.

All nominations will be reviewed by members of the AANP Nomination Council, who will vet nominees and develop a slate to be submitted to the BOD that will reflect expertise and diversity. Optimally, at least two candidates (but no more than three) will be slated per position. Candidates will be listed in alphabetical order by last name on the aanp.org website, and in all other instances that do not allow for a dynamic listing ("dynamic" meaning that the order of candidates will be randomly generated for each person logging in to vote). On the ballot, the names - including the incumbent's name - will all be listed dynamically as follows: Incumbent Name (Incumbent).

Each year, all elected officers begin their term at the close of the AANP National Conference.

The following positions are on the 2026 ballot:

  • President-Elect
  • Recording Secretary
  • Region Director
    • Region 2 Director (NJ, NY and Puerto Rico)
    • Region 4 Director (KY, NC, SC and TN)
    • Region 6 Director (AR, LA, OK and TX)
    • Region 8 Director (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT and WY)
    • Region 10 Director (AK, ID, OR and WA)
  • State Liaison (for states in odd regions)
  • Nomination Council (2 positions)

General Eligibility to Run for Office

To qualify for nomination in the 2026 AANP Election, an AANP individual member:

  • Must have maintained uninterrupted AANP membership for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the open call date.
  • Must have an unencumbered state license, certification, registration or other applicable state authorization to practice as an NP.
  • Must not have been convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony.

Any individual member who meets the general qualifications and the additional specific qualifications as outlined in the respective position description is eligible to apply. A candidate cannot apply, run for or hold multiple AANP elected or appointed leadership positions at the same time.


Nomination Process

The 2026 AANP Election Open Call for Nominations will close on Sept. 8, 2025, at 11:59 pm Pacific. All applications must be received via the online application. Late applications will not be accepted or considered.

  1. All incumbent officeholders eligible to seek reelection must submit and complete the nomination application process.
  2. All nominations must be submitted electronically to AANP on the online 2026 AANP Election Nomination Form by Sept. 8, 2025.
  3. The application process requires a CV (three-page max highlighting leadership and committee involvement, and recent publications and presentations), bio-sketch, professional photo, responses to questions about your leadership experience/background and two professional references.
  4. All nominations are subject to review by the AANP Nomination Council.
  5. Anyone submitting a nomination must comply with the following:
    • Prospective candidates must read, understand and agree to abide by the AANP Conflict of Interest (COI) and Confidentiality Policy and sign the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. The completed AANP COI Disclosure Form must be received by AANP to be considered for the election.
    • If an actual conflict is identified during the process, prospective candidates must complete a COI Resolution Form agreeing to resolve the conflict if elected and prior to taking office.
    • Prospective candidates must read and agree to the responsibilities and estimated time commitments of the position being sought, as well as the AANP Election Campaign Process and Procedures, and check the appropriate box on the application.
    • Prospective candidates should review the AANP Bylaws.

Candidate photos are required. Candidates must include a high resolution 300dpi professional photo, though not necessarily made by a professional photographer. Please note the following criteria for photos:

  • Must be submitted electronically in JPG format with the nomination application.
  • Should be in color, rather than black and white with a neutral background (no props).
  • Should be a photo of the candidate alone (no group shots or photos with other people, children or pets).

After submitting your nomination application, please make sure that you receive a return notice indicating the nomination has been received. If you do not receive this after submission, please contact governance@aanp.org for further instructions.

Applications that are incomplete or contain excessive typographical or grammatical errors will not be corrected or edited and may be eliminated from consideration.

Candidates running for office in the AANP election will have two opportunities to campaign via a campaign flyer and campaign message (described below). Please follow the instructions during the application process to submit your campaign materials.

The 2026 slate of candidates will be finalized in January 2026. Once the slate is finalized, candidates will receive a link to a video featuring the AANP President explaining campaign rules and providing examples of violations. The rules will be aligned with the Election Campaign Process and Procedures that are identified below. Please keep the Election Campaign Process and Procedures in mind when submitting your application. You may be asked to edit or change your campaign flyer or message at any time if your campaign materials do not align with the Election Campaign Process and Procedures.

Violation of AANP’s Election Campaign Process and Procedures may result in removal from the ballot or may void a candidate’s election. Candidates are responsible for any campaign activity conducted, either directly or indirectly, on their behalf.

Campaign Flyer (optional)

  • Limited to one page.
  • May use or include any combination of photos, text or other design elements.
  • Must be completed and submitted with your nomination form.

Campaign Message (required)

  • Candidates for state, regional or national office will have the opportunity to campaign via a one-time message, submitted with the application by the deadline. The message created by the candidate will consist of a paragraph (not to exceed 150 words) showcasing their qualifications.
  • This message will be distributed by AANP to members eligible to vote in the election — individual candidates do not distribute the message.
  • AANP does not permit any other type of campaign activities by individual candidates.
  • AANP does not permit candidates to access any AANP listserv for the purpose of promoting individual campaigns.

Campaign Process and Procedures

All candidates must comply with the following AANP Election Campaign Process and Procedures. To be considered for placement on the ballot, candidates must acknowledge that they have read, understand and agree to abide by the campaign process and procedures. Failure to do so will prohibit that candidate's consideration for placement on the ballot.

No solicitation of votes by candidates will be allowed, except as outlined in the AANP Election Campaign Process and Procedures.

Candidate activities NOT allowed for campaigning purposes include but are not limited to the following:

  • Use of social and electronic media, such as posting campaign information on Facebook, X and other social media platforms.
  • Use of an AANP current listserv or reproduction of any previous AANP listserv to distribute campaign information.
  • Distribution of campaign materials, such as buttons, pens and direct mail pieces.
  • Acceptance or solicitation of corporate or institutional sponsorship for the purpose of AANP campaigning.
  • Acceptance of an NP Organization member endorsements or personal campaigning for individual candidates.
  • Soliciting or encouraging others to campaign on their behalf.
  • Campaigning by an individual for the purpose of endorsing a candidate or providing negative comments or information about candidates to discourage voting for this candidate.
  • Conducting public speeches, phone solicitation, articles or editorials.

The campaign policy allows candidates equal access to AANP members during the election process. The candidate is responsible for compliance with the approved campaign policy procedures as follows:

  • Candidate information will be placed on the official ballot, which will include the candidate’s position statement and information provided by the candidate on their nomination application.
  • Election information will be published by AANP in the eBulletin, SmartBrief and on the AANP website.
  • A personal message from the candidate to the AANP membership will be available by AANP during the election process, if received by the deadline as stated in the official Call for Nominations.
  • AANP NP Organization members may contact eligible members of their organization to encourage them to exercise their right to vote but may not endorse any specific candidate.
  • AANP will post information about the election and candidates on the AANP Facebook site and other social media channels as deemed appropriate by AANP.
  • Campaign guidelines will be published in the official Call for Nominations.
  • If a candidate has possibly violated any portion of the campaign policy, this will be referred to the AANP President. If a violation occurred, a recommendation will then be sent to the full AANP Board of Directors with the possibility of removing the candidate from the ballot or voiding that candidate’s election.

AANP individual membership must be current as of Feb. 1, 2026, to be eligible to vote for the following positions in the 2026 election:

Membership Categories and Positions

  • NP — state, regional and national office.
  • Licensed NP Student — state, regional and national office.
  • Career Starter — state, regional and national office.
  • Student — state liaison in their state.
  • Retired — state, regional and national office.

If you have questions or need additional information, email elections@aanp.org.

Note: Individuals elected as Board Officers, Region Directors and SLs are expected to attend meetings held 24 to 48 hours prior to the start of the 2026 AANP National Conference. Candidates for these positions should not make airline reservations for conference prior to learning the outcome of the election; however, for best availability of conference sessions and hotel accommodations, all candidates are encouraged to register for conference and make their room reservations prior to AANP’s announcement of election results.

Basic Function: The President-elect assists the President in carrying out the functions of the office of President and perform specific duties delegated by the President.

View the Detailed Position Description

Specific Eligibility Requirement: BOD officers must have completed at least one two-year term on the AANP BOD within the past six years.

Term Limit: The President-elect serves one year in this role, accedes automatically to President for a two-year term.

Time Commitment: The estimated time commitment is 25-30 hours per month and varies by month.

Basic Function: The Recording Secretary ensures that records of all Board of Directors meetings are maintained.

View the Detailed Position Description

Specific Eligibility Requirement: BOD officers must have completed at least one two-year term on the AANP BOD within the past six years.

Term Limit: The secretary’s term is two years, but they may serve a maximum of three consecutive elected terms (six years in total).

Time Commitment: The estimated time commitment is 25-30 hours per month and varies by month.

Basic Function: Region Directors serve as the elected region representative. They maintain fiduciary responsibility and contribute to the establishment of the mission, vision and strategic plan of the organization.

View the Detailed Position Description

Specific Eligibility Requirement: Region Directors must maintain primary residence within their respective region. To run for region director, the candidate should have experience as an AANP SL or have equivalent experience and demonstrated leadership in AANP or other organizations.

Term Limit: The Region Director's term is two years, but they may serve a maximum of three consecutive elected terms (six years in total).

Time Commitment: The estimated time commitment is 15-20 hours per month, which does not include Board meetings.

  • Region 2 Director (NJ, NY and Puerto Rico)
  • Region 4 Director (KY, NC, SC and TN)
  • Region 6 Director (AR, LA, OK and TX)
  • Region 8 Director (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT and WY)
  • Region 10 Director (AK, ID, OR and WA)

Basic Function: The SL serves as a key state contact person for the Region Director, BOD, and executive staff. SLs actively serve to advance the interests of AANP and its members. SLs are accountable to the BOD.

View the Detailed Position Description

Specific Eligibility Requirement: SLs must reside in the state they wish to represent. SLs cannot concurrently serve on a board, chair a committee or council; or be employed by a nursing certification or membership organization (including those whose products, services or interests overlap with AANP), unless the position is specifically designated to represent AANP's best interests.

Term Limit: The State Liaison's term is two years, but they may serve a maximum of two consecutive elected terms (four years in total).

Time Commitment: The estimated time commitment is 5-10 hours per month.

State Liaison Positions on the Ballot:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • U.S. Pacific Territory (America Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands)
  • U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas)
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Two candidates will be elected to the council.

Basic Function: The purpose of the Nomination Council is to develop a slate of qualified candidates for elected positions within AANP. Council members are accountable to the BOD and members.

View the Detailed Position Description

Specific Eligibility Requirement: Candidates must have been an AANP member for a minimum of five consecutive years and have served as an SL or Region Director or BOD officer.

Term Limit: Council members serve a three-year term and may serve one additional consecutive term.

Time Commitment: The estimated time commitment is 8-12 hours per month.


How to Nominate

1. Login

If not already logged into the site, please log in with your AANP Member credentials.

2. Create

From your Dashboard, create your online nomination.

3. Save

During the Call for Nomination period, your Nomination can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the tab when the Nomination is saved. 

4. Submit

  • Once you have completed your application, select “Submit as FINAL”.
  • You may download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column.
  • All submissions must be completed with all required information by the deadline date.
  • Incomplete nominations will not be considered.
  • Late applications will not be accepted.

5. Email Communications

Add support@rhythmq.com to your contacts to ensure delivery of auto email notifications.

Contact

If you require assistance or additional information, contact governance@aanp.org.

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Key Dates

AANP National Election
Application Open: July 15, 2025
Application Close: September 8, 2025, 11:59pm PT
Contact: governance@aanp.org

Contact Us

American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Email: governance@aanp.org

Inquires will be responded to during AANP office hours:
Monday - Friday (except holidays)
9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Central Time.

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