In balloting that ended Oct. 14, Cliff Guffey was elected the new president of the American Postal Workers Union, receiving 69 percent of the votes in a three-way race. Greg Bell garnered 75 percent of votes cast, to win the Vice Presidency.

Guffey, who has served as the APWU’s vice president since 2001, becomes the union’s fifth president. Prior to his election as vice president, he served as the union’s Clerk Craft director and assistant director, and as president of APWU’s Oklahoma City Local.

“These are tough times for postal workers,” Guffey said. “But we are committed to fighting to protect our jobs and to strengthen the Postal Service. With the support of our members — and the American people — I am confident we can succeed.”

A total of 30 races for national office were contested in this year’s elections. The American Arbitration Association tabulated the ballots on Oct. 15. A total of 190,531 ballots were mailed to eligible voters, and 51,994 were returned.

The oath of office will be administered in a ceremony on Nov. 6. Newly-elected officers take office effective Nov. 12 and will serve three-year terms.