Cost Savings From Adopting Technology in HOA Elections

Elections can be expensive. If done the old-fashioned way, you must buy paper supplies, pay people to oversee the voting process, rent a space for voting, account for postage, and so much more. It can cost your homeowners association (HOA) hundreds of dollars to hold an election.

The good news is your state may allow the use of technology. HOA voting rules in California are examples of how a state controls and monitors the election process in planned communities. While there will be an upfront investment, technology like ElectionBuddy can streamline your elections and save money on labor, administrative and supply costs, potential legal challenges, and more.

Why Use Technology?

Online voting technology platforms can save a significant amount of money and time for HOAs. They simplify the entire voting process from vote casting to collection and counting. You can use software for multiple tasks from choosing a new board leader to voting on a key community issue.

Plus, with online voting, you’ll likely see a boost in voter participation among your members because it’s so easy to use. Voting technology allows your members to vote anytime, anywhere during the election process. 

When addressing complaints during the HOA election process, technology also provides a digital and detailed “paper trail” and provides transparent proof of a fair and accurate election.

Ways to Save

Every dollar counts, and election tech platforms can save you substantial sums of money. Here are a few ways you can save on expenses:

• Printing and mailing: Online voting eliminates the need to print and mail paper ballots, candidate profiles, and other collateral, leading to significant savings on materials and postage.
• Lower administrative costs: Automated tools reduce the need for staff to manage voting logistics, oversee in-person voting, and count ballots. They also reduce the risks of human error.
• No physical venue necessary: An electronic HOA election does not require the rental of a community center or clubhouse. Homeowners can cast their votes wherever they are, removing the need for a physical space. There are no rental fees, setup costs, or extra hassle.
• Long-term savings: Once you invest in an online voting system, you can use the same platform for future elections and other HOA decisions, offering a long-term return on investment. 
• Fewer legal costs: Sometimes, traditional voting methods don’t meet your state's updated laws or HOA rules, which could create a liability issue for your community. You don’t want a legal headache if your election isn’t done correctly. Reputable online voting systems follow the latest regulations to eliminate this risk, helping you avoid potential disputes or lawsuits.

Added Bonuses

There are some things money just can’t buy–like time. When it comes to HOA elections, time is just as valuable as money. While online voting can save you a lot of money on expenses, it also is a significant time saver for everyone involved.

Consider this: you won’t need someone to stuff envelopes, coordinate schedules for in-person voting, or manually count ballots. Online voting platforms can simplify the entire election process, from ballot creation to tallying results. Think of all that extra time you can dedicate to more critical issues.

Plus, online voting is a bonus for homeowners, too. It lets them participate at their convenience, no matter where they are, without having to carve time out of their day to show up for an in-person vote.

Save With ElectionBuddy

Whether your HOA has ten voters or 10,000, ElectionBuddy can handle the election. The platform can handle any type of vote and help your association make key decisions.

With the help of an online voting platform, you’re bound to improve voter participation and meet your quorum requirement. You can send notices and reminders to voters to let them know when it’s time to vote. The ability to vote from anywhere at any time makes the process all the more convenient for everyone, ensuring the highest turnout possible.

You can rest assured that the ElectionBuddy platform is safe and secure. Voter information is always protected, and voters' votes are anonymous. Online voting through ElectionBuddy is a win-win for everyone involved!