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At ElectionBuddy, we’ve traditionally presented voting results based on the total number of votes cast per question, rather than based on the number of unique voters. This distinction can have a significant impact on how results are presented, particularly in elections with multiple vacancies. Many organizations have different requireme

Understanding and navigating Davis-Stirling Act compliance is crucial for HOAs operating in the state of California. This act outlines several aspects of HOA governance, legal authority, and voting. Recent changes to allow electronic voting have expanded upon the original legislation to ensure it meets the needs of today's online world.&n

The new HOA law in California, passed in September 2024, includes amendments to the Davis-Stirling Act of 1985. These amendments make it possible for HOAs to conduct elections online rather than through costly and time-consuming paper balloting.  Permission for electronic voting was granted on the condition that HOAs employ an indepe

One of the biggest challenges when preparing a vote is ensuring that voters will read and understand the instructions. ElectionBuddy, along with other systems includes pre-defined instructions, but some voters may still be unfamiliar with the process. Here are some tips to make voting instructions as clear and user-friendly as possible.

Updated: March 10th, 2026 Achieving voting compliance in homeowners association elections can be complex, especially under California law. To achieve California HOA voting compliance, associations must follow specific procedures outlined in the Davis-Stirling Act, including notifying members, securing ballots, and ensuring transparent ele

Voting quorums stipulate the minimum number of members who need to participate in an election or voting process for the outcomes to be upheld. For HOAs, this means the California HOA inspector of elections they appoint needs to verify that, for example, at least half of the members have voted. Although the exact quorum is […]

Updated: June 23, 2025 If you are part of a homeowners association (HOA), you know there can be a wide variety of rules and guidelines to follow. There are also laws in place issued by the state that apply to HOAs, such as the Davis-Stirling Act, which is responsible for the requirement of a California […]

Managing voting on behalf of an HOA in Orange County can be complex. An independent California Homeowner Association inspector of elections must be appointed to confirm that the elections comply with all the relevant rules and regulations. Recent changes introduced via the Davis-Stirling Act do, though, streamline convenient voting option

Updated: June 23, 2025 Electronic voting has revolutionized the way HOAs engage with members, hold votes and elections, and encourage homeowners to participate. While the regulations vary between states, a California HOA inspector of elections will ensure your election is compliant and properly managed. The key advantage of electronic vot

Board members, homeowners, and tenants with properties within an HOA area should be fully aware of their rights, responsibilities, and obligations, especially because HOA boards must appoint a California inspector of elections to oversee the fairness and accuracy of all election processes. Much depends on whether a tenant is a confirmed H

ElectionBuddy results now include whether or not the quorum and threshold has been met for the overall vote as well as for each voting item. This allows for more visibility when the results are viewed, as voters can confirm if the results meet these criteria easily.  Here are some sample results, showing the new Quorum […]

Running a homeowners association (HOA) meeting in California isn’t just about getting everyone in the same room and talking. There are rules that need to be followed that keep HOA meetings fair, transparent, and productive.  Whether it’s a board meeting, a big annual gathering, or a special session, California laws (like the Davis-St

The Davis-Stirling Act’s amended version, which takes effect in 2025, requires that HOAs wishing to hold elections electronically must have an independent inspector of elections. These third-party inspectors can often be found as part of electronic voting platforms that offer Davis-Stirling compliance services. HOAs seeking a California

Absentee voting is often considered a convenient and inclusive approach. HOA voting quorums in California are far easier to hit when members have a range of opportunities to participate and reach the minimum thresholds that a California inspector of elections will need to record the outcomes as valid. Reforms introduced via the Davis-Stir