ElectionBuddy Voting in Florida HOAs

When it comes to running an election for a Florida Homeowners Association (HOA), ElectionBuddy offers flexibility in how votes are cast, allowing for both traditional paper voting and hybrid voting, where voters can opt to vote electronically. However, one unique requirement for Florida HOAs is that, according to state law, voters must be able to confirm at least 14 days before the election that their electronic devices are compatible with the online voting system. We’ll walk you through how ElectionBuddy can help meet this requirement and ensure that your HOA election runs smoothly.

Announcement and Call for Candidates

Before the election opens, it’s essential to inform homeowners about the election dates and give them an opportunity to nominate candidates. ElectionBuddy offers a convenient tool for this called an Announcement. This feature allows you to:

• Announce the upcoming election dates
• Optionally call for candidates and collect candidate names and relevant information
• Provide important election-related updates to homeowners

An added benefit of using an ElectionBuddyannouncement is that voters confirm that  they can access the ElectionBuddy system before the vote is run

Testing Voter Access with a Testing Link

If you prefer to share details of an upcoming election  outside of ElectionBuddy or follow an existing process for collecting candidate information, you can still ensure that voters can access the online voting system. One effective method is to create a testing link to verify device compatibility before the election begins.

ElectionBuddy provides a Low Integrity link that allows voters to test their access to ElectionBuddy and ensure they can connect with their device. This link is the same for all homeowners, and you can distribute it through your HOA’s preferred communication channels, such as email, newsletters, or even postal mail.

The link you create for testing will direct voters to a ElectionBuddy page where they can check if they can successfully log in and navigate the platform. You can ask voters to provide their unit or property information after confirming they can access ElectionBuddy, ensuring the process runs smoothly when it’s time for the live vote.

Here is a sample ballot of how a test with a Low Integrity link may look:

This test helps identify any potential issues with voter access early on, allowing you to address them before the official election begins.

Ensuring a Smooth and Accessible HOA Election

Ensuring that all voters in your Florida HOA can access ElectionBuddy’s online voting system is a critical step in complying with state law and making the election process smooth and fair for everyone. By utilizing ElectionBuddy's features, you can confirm that voters' devices are compatible ahead of time, preventing any confusion or issues on election day.

These simple steps not only help meet the 14-day notification requirement but also foster a more transparent and accessible election process for all homeowners. With ElectionBuddy, you can confidently manage your HOA election and ensure a seamless voting experience for your community.

If you need assistance, please reach out to us using the chat in the bottom right corner. Or, you can also reach us at support@electionbuddy.com. We’re here to help!