The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has announced changes to its contemporary Hall of Fame voting panel and election procedures ahead of the 2026 cycle. The voting group has been reduced from 172 to 154 members following a voter survey. Additional reforms include limits on ballot appearances for retired candidates and a shift to electronic voting.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, located in Saratoga Springs, New York, revealed several updates to its nominating and voting processes on Tuesday, as part of a review aimed at enhancing integrity in selecting inductees.
The contemporary voting panel was reduced from 172 members in 2025 to 154 for the 2026 cycle. This change followed a December voter survey that led to more than two dozen voters being removed, ensuring the group remains "deeply connected to the sport, knowledgeable, passionate and responsive," according to Hall of Fame officials. New voters have been invited to join the panel.
A key reform limits retired horses, jockeys, and trainers selected as finalists to a maximum of 10 appearances on the Hall of Fame ballot. Previously, there was no such cap within the 25-year eligibility window before candidates transitioned to the Historic Review process. Active jockeys and trainers face no limits, as their careers continue to develop.
Voters will now receive past voting percentages to assess candidate trends and viability. All voting will occur electronically through independent auditor McKenna and Franck CPAs in Saratoga Springs, eliminating physical mailed ballots. Election materials, including finalists, will be emailed to voters in mid-February.
These updates were developed by Museum management in collaboration with Nominating Committee Chair D. G. Van Clief and approved by Museum Board Chair Charlotte Weber.
"Our goals are to ensure this process is always defined by absolute integrity and that it yields the most deserving class of Hall of Fame inductees each year," Van Clief said. "With this year's updates to our process and the changes to refresh our voting roster, I am confident that the Hall of Fame will be welcoming inductees to its ranks who will make the sport proud and stand the test of time."
Weber added, "I fully support the changes D. G. Van Clief and Museum management have made concerning the voting panel and overall election process. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the greatest honor in any sport. It is of the utmost importance for the Museum to continually evaluate its procedures and evolve with the best interests of the institution and the sport as its guiding foundational principles."
