Updated: June 22nd, 2026
Low voter turnout in online elections is rarely caused by lack of interest alone. More often, it comes down to timing, visibility, and simple human forgetfulness. Even when ballots are delivered directly to voters, many people intend to vote but postpone it, and then forget.
This is where reminders and resending ballots become essential. A well-timed reminder can be the difference between a disengaged election and one with strong participation. By nudging non-voters at key moments, administrators can significantly improve boosting election turnout and ensure more members have their voices heard.
In short: email reminders actively increase election legitimacy by helping more eligible voters complete the process.
Even in well-run digital elections, non-voting happens for predictable reasons:
Without follow-up communication, these missed opportunities can reduce turnout and skew results toward the most active participants rather than the full membership.
Using a structured reminder system allows election administrators to re-engage voters who haven’t yet participated. With ElectionBuddy, administrators can easily send targeted messages to non-voters without spamming those who have already cast their ballot.
A reminder can include:
This targeted approach is one of the most effective tools for boosting election turnout without adding administrative complexity for all customer types, from HOA elections to union elections.
| Reminder Type | When to Use It | Purpose | Example Message |
| Initial ballot email | Election launch | Notify voters voting has opened | “Your ballot is ready. Cast your vote today!” |
| Early reminder | Mid-election period | Re-engage voters who haven’t responded | “Haven’t voted yet? Your ballot is still open.” |
| Deadline reminder | 24–48 hours before close | Create urgency | “Polls close soon! Don’t miss your chance to vote.” |
| Final reminder | Last hours of election | Maximize last-minute turnout | “Final reminder: voting closes today.” |
| Resending ballots | As needed for non-voters | Ensure access if email was missed | “Here’s your voting link again for convenience.” |
The most powerful elections use a combination of timing and personalization. Rather than sending one generic message, administrators can schedule multiple touchpoints to ensure voters stay informed throughout the process.
The reminders and resending ballots feature ensures that:
When used strategically, reminders strengthen trust in the process itself.
Platforms like ElectionBuddy make reminder management simple by allowing administrators to send customized messages only to voters who have not yet participated. This avoids unnecessary repetition while still maximizing reach.
With automated tools and scheduled messaging, election teams can focus less on chasing participation or reaching quorum and more on ensuring a smooth voting experience!