The year 1968 was rather interesting in regard to the year's elections. The Local was just over two years old and was still in it's learning stages. Some feel that this learning was the primary reason that the local held two elections for this year's officers. The first of the two elections was held in December of 1967 which was the usual time for elections. The election held in March, just three months later, has caused some confusion

According to one theory, the candidates for office, in order to win, had to carry at least 50% of the votes. In the December election, there was a three way race for President and even though Charles Souza won with 73 out of 166 votes, he did not have the 50% to win. The March election had Souza pitted against John F. Kennedy, who had previously received the next highest vote count of 63. This time around, Kennedy picked up extra votes in the absence of third candidate Edward Sullivan and went on to win the Election.

Of the theories I encountered, this theory holds the most weight. The theory doesn't hold true for all the offices on the ballot, however. Lucy Levada, for instance, lost the original race for recording secretary to Albert Gauthier in the first election, but ran unopposed in the March election. There were also run-off elections for some offices.

Local 587 enjoyed a 4.73% raise for this year per the contract, dated April 1, 1967.