United Auto Workers Began Counting Leadership Ballots

Federal monitors have started tallying votes in the UAW's second direct-election cycle.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a metal lockbox on a floor, representing the formal oversight of the UAW election. — Federal monitors have begun counting ballots for the United Auto Workers leadership election, a process that will determine the union's president for the next four years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe direct-election methods result in better representation for union members?

The United Auto Workers union has started counting ballots for a leadership election that will determine the next four-year term for president. This process marks the second time the union has utilized a direct-election method for its top officials.

Why it matters

The election process is currently under the oversight of a federal monitor who has raised concerns regarding transparency and leadership conduct within the organization. This vote will shape the future direction of the union following major contract negotiations with the Detroit Three in recent years.

The election involves 400,000 union members deciding the president, three vice presidents, a secretary-treasurer, and regional directors. A runoff will occur for any race where a candidate fails to secure a majority of the vote.

The players

Shawn Fain

He is the incumbent president of the United Auto Workers who is seeking a second four-year term.

Neil Barofsky

He is the federal monitor currently overseeing union activities and the ballot-counting process.

Rich Boyer

He is a candidate for the president position in the ongoing United Auto Workers election.

United Auto Workers

This is a major American labor union that represents approximately 400,000 active members across various industries.

The details

Federal monitor Neil Barofsky is overseeing the tally of ballots cast by members after the union moved to a direct-voting system in 2021. The election includes challengers such as Rich Boyer running against incumbent Shawn Fain, who previously led high-profile strikes against major automakers in 2023.

2021: Federal monitor appointed to oversee union activities.
2021: Union membership voted to implement a direct-election method.
2023: Shawn Fain led strikes against the Detroit Three.
October 6, 2026: Official ballot counting commenced.

Political Context

The opposition has raised substantive concerns regarding the current leadership's transparency and alleged retaliatory actions against internal dissenters. These criticisms have become a central component of the campaign rhetoric during this transition toward more direct member accountability.

The results of this election determine the leadership that will represent members in future negotiations and workplace disputes. Taxpayers and workers should note that the federal oversight remains in place to ensure compliance with labor standards following previous governance issues.

The takeaway

The transition to a direct-voting system marks a significant change in how major labor organizations handle internal power structures. Members and observers should watch for the official certified results to determine if a runoff election becomes necessary.