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 election practices. Key to this process is working with a California HOA inspector of elections, a certified independent expert who oversees the election from start to finish, guaranteeing that all rules are followed and votes are accurately counted.
Understanding and enforcing proper HOA ballot handling rules is another critical component. From distributing ballots only to eligible members to maintaining voter anonymity and securely tabulating results, every step must be carefully managed to avoid legal challenges and protect the integrity of the election. With the right processes and expert guidance, HOAs can conduct elections that are secure, efficient, and fully compliant with California law.
Transparency starts with an HOA notifying its members of an upcoming election. The old rules stipulated this must be done via mail. What is the new HOA law in California? Under the new law, HOAs can send out electronic notifications in the form of emails to inform voters of upcoming elections. They must include relevant information such as ballot measures, candidates, times and dates for voting, and voting deadlines.
Ballot management is another key component of transparency. Ballots may only be sent to eligible members and must be secured to maintain voter anonymity. Previously, this was accomplished via a secure double-envelope mailed to the HOA. Under the new law, HOAs can conduct elections with both mail-in and electronic voting.
These notices and ballots must be sent to voters a minimum of thirty days in advance of upcoming elections.
With the amended Davis-Stirling Act, only certified independent inspectors may handle ballots until it is time to tally the votes. This is done to ensure there is no manipulation of the outcome by HOA management.
Once the voting deadline has passed and all ballots are in, the inspector of elections will tabulate the results and announce them to management. Should any discrepancies or concerns arise after the results are announced, the inspectors must make the tally sheet and vote count available to management. The inspectors can also act as independent arbiters to address any disagreements.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters | Tip |
| 1 | Notify Members | Ensures voters are aware of elections | Minimum 30 days’ notice; include candidates, measures, dates |
| 2 | Use an Independent Inspector of Elections | Prevents conflicts of interest | Certified experts oversee ballots and tabulation |
| 3 | Secure Ballot Handling | Maintains voter anonymity & integrity | Only inspectors handle ballots until tally |
| 4 | Offer Multiple Voting Methods | Accommodates all members | Electronic and paper ballots available |
| 5 | Tabulate and Audit | Confirms accurate results | Inspectors verify totals, provide vote count reports |
| 6 | Document Election Processes | Ensures transparency & compliance | Maintain records in case of disputes or audits |
Electronic voting is far more simple and faster than standard paper ballot voting, but paper ballots must always be available for those who request them. When votes are held electronically, the results can be tabulated instantly, reducing the time it takes to count and announce results.
Electronic voting also involves a significant digital paper trail that helps secure the vote and make irregularities easier to spot. With security features like 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication, election security is more thorough than ever.
This, coupled with the independent inspector of elections, helps make the entire process transparent and free from interference. This boosts confidence in the election process and helps increase voter turnout, which enhances the democratic process.
Platforms like ElectionBuddy offer both mail-in and electronic ballots for any HOA that needs them. ElectionBuddy can also provide independent experts who ensure that an election is legal and meets the standards set forth by the new Davis-Stirling amendment. Check out our resources today to see how our election packages can help make voting as easy and secure as possible!
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