Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/CheckUser and Oversight/May 2010 election

The Arbitration Committee has determined that there is a need for additional oversighters and checkusers to improve workload distribution and ensure complete, timely response to requests. From March 31 through April 10 experienced editors were invited to apply for either or both of the Oversight or CheckUser permissions. Completed applications were due on April 12 to arbcom.privilegeswikipedia.org. The Committee is currently reviewing applications. The timeline for the process is below.

Those applying for consideration as checkuser and/or oversight candidates should be familiar with the applicable CheckUser and Oversight policies, as well as the WMF Privacy Policy. Checkuser candidates are expected to be familiar with basic technological issues and sockpuppetry investigation tools and techniques. Successful candidates will also have good communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

Anyone considering applying should be aware that checkusers and oversighters (and candidates for these permissions) are subject to considerable internal and external scrutiny. Scrutiny from external sources can include attempts to investigate on- and off-wiki activities, and can result in revealing personal details of the candidates or contacts with employers, family or others; the Arbitration Committee cannot prevent such activities from occurring or from being distributed or discussed off-wiki. This risk will continue if the candidate is successful in the election. There is limited ability within Wikipedia to prevent off-wiki “outing” or harassment. In addition, the Foundation requires that successful candidates be at least 18 years of age, have legal majority in their jurisdiction of residence, and that they identify themselves to Foundation staff before they are allowed access to private information.

For answers to common questions about the election process, please see here.

Timeline of election process

• March 31 – Announcement of upcoming election and invitation to request applications
  
• April 10 – Deadline to request applications
  
• April 12 at 23:59 UTC – Deadline for submission of applications
  
• March 31 – April 30 – Arbitration Committee review of submissions
  
• May 1–8 – Preparation for election, including offers of nomination to selected candidates
  
• May 9–22 – Voting using the SecurePoll extension for a secret ballot
  
• May 22–27 – Arbitration Committee review of results
  
• May 28 – Announcement of results

See also

• August 2009 election
• February 2009 election