With the increase in popularity of online voting, California homeowner association (HOA) elections have never been easier. The challenge may be convincing HOA members of the benefits of adopting an electronic voting process.
The key to building confidence in online voting is ingraining transparency and trust in the election process from beginning to end. From clear communication about how voting works to secure ballot delivery and real-time results tracking, giving your members a peek into the process can make a world of difference.
An informed voter is a confident voter. HOA members should be in the know about all aspects of an election, including details about who is running for which positions, how they can cast their ballot, when the election is, and why their vote matters.
In California, the Davis-Stirling Act sets rules on what your members should be told and when they need to hear it. This includes giving them an opportunity to opt in or out of electronic voting, informing them of the candidates who are running for specific roles, and more.
Cybersecurity for electronic voting is a must-have for any virtual election. Not only does this protect your voters’ data and keep the ballots they cast secret, but it also instills a feeling of trust and confidence in the election system you put into place.
Electronic voting platforms like ElectionBuddy are designed to help you track results, communicate with your voting members before and after election day, and allow them to cast their ballots from anywhere. All of this is done safely and securely.
ElectionBuddy uses the same type of encryption as big banks and requires voters to verify who they are every time they log in using a multi-factor authentication system. This helps guarantee your elections are fair and accurate.
California law requires that an inspector of elections oversees the entire HOA election process. Whether elected or appointed, these inspectors should be a neutral third party who can manage the election fairly and impartially.
Election inspector appointment rules state that the inspector can be a volunteer poll worker from the county, notary public, licensed accountant, or a member of the association who has no relationship with any current leadership or candidates.
From verifying voter eligibility and collecting ballots to counting votes and certifying the results of an election, an inspector’s job is to be clear and transparent with voting members while ensuring the HOA is complying with the law. Your members will feel more at ease knowing that someone neutral is in charge of the election.
Online election platforms like ElectionBuddy not only streamline the election process, they can also guide your HOA members every step of the way. ElectionBuddy is easy to use and known for its ability to increase voter turnout during HOA elections.
Ensuring transparency is simple with ElectionBuddy, too. Automated messaging and communication options make sure every voter stays informed and engaged throughout the process. Plus, voters have the option of voting with a physical or electronic ballot, depending on which option they prefer.
Should any issues arise, our online platform makes it easy for inspectors to review and audit the results. From beginning to end, ElectionBuddy helps you keep complete control of your election while fostering a fair and secure environment that your members will feel good about online voting!
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