The ARRL is a representative democracy, just like the US Government — its members control its policies through the power of the ballot. ARRL members are the ultimate authority, and collectively have the ultimate responsibility for the work and direction of the organization.

The League’s Articles of Association and By-laws give direct responsibility to set ARRL policy to an elected Board of Directors. Fifteen Directors are elected on a regional basis, one per ARRL Division, to serve three year terms. Directors receive no monetary compensation for their service, although they are eligible to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. ARRL Officers are chosen by the Directors.

Each Director has a Vice Director to assist him or her. Vice Directors, also elected by ARRL members in each Division, fill in for Directors as needed. Section Managers (SMs) are elected to two year terms by the ARRL members in their sections. In turn, each SM has a number of active and enthusiastic hams (Field Organization) to help conduct Section business.

To take one example, the Illinois section includes these volunteers: Assistant SM, Section Emergency Coordinator, Assistant SM for Youth, Affiliated Club Coordinator, Section Government Liaison, Section Traffic Manager, Public Information Coordinator, Technical Coordinator, Official Observer Coordinator, Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator and District Emergency Coordinator.