GMA Announces Changes To Dove Awards Voting Process

Has A New Voting Process

The GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION (GMA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to change membership rules and the voting process for the GMA DOVE AWARDS.  All changes will be recognized with the upcoming 43RD ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS.

"The DOVE AWARDS has a tremendous legacy as well as a vibrant future in representing our people and the music we treasure. It is vital that we stay current. I believe adjustments will help us keep the process relevant," said GMA Executive Director JACKIE PATILLO.

The GMA board determined that record company paid memberships will now be limited to a cap of 75 professional members.  This cap will include any persons working on Christian/gospel projects from affiliated companies, but will not include artists, songwriters or producers. In addition, parent companies will no longer be eligible to become professional members.

In addition, the GMA DOVE AWARDS will move to the BORDA count method for the entire voting process.  This method is one of the better known methods for tallying ranked ballots, currently used by the ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP) and the UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL (UPI) to rank teams in NCAA college sports.

Finally, each category within the GMA DOVE AWARDS will decrease from the current seven nominees to five nominees for the final round ballot.

"In our efforts to grow and serve our membership, it is our responsibility to continually look at areas that need change or improvement," said GMA Chairman of the Board MITCHELL SOLAREK. "I am proud of the board members and their willingness to be open to change, while celebrating the history of this association. There have been so many things to be proud of this year; a sold-out DOVE AWARDS, an increase in television ratings and more press than ever. This change in our voting procedure is another example of looking toward the future, while building on the past.

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