"As a brand new member,I felt that I should not vote as I absolutely have no idea as to who anyone is."

Rick, you have just as much right to vote as any other member in good standing

MOST of the candidates clearly stated their qualifications, etc. in print, so you could have used that as a general voting guide, the fact that you do not know them personally notwithstanding.

The long time members that did not vote have no excuse... and it's dollars to donuts that the same people will continue to rant and rave over petty and not-so-petty matters. IMO, those who did not vote should now shut up, as they have no right to complain. (as if that would ever happen)

"It just seems that the majority of people in many hobbies or sport federations or whatever,simply want to go about their business and really do not care who wins elections just as long as they can continue and are not disrupted in their chosen hobby or sport."

That's a problem for me, because elected officials are empowered to enact changes that COULD very much disrupt the hobby or sport in question. Again, apathy is a force to be reckoned with.
Just something to consider.
MP