Davis-Stirling Election Timeline

Homeowner associations (HOAs) in California need to follow a long list of rules to ensure fairness in their activities. For example, the Davis-Stirling Act exists to keep HOAs transparent, protect voter information and data, and guarantee fair and secure elections. HOA voting in California has an election timeline that community representatives, leaders, and members must follow, including during online elections. 

The electronic voting process begins months in advance with the scheduling of meetings and the selection of an inspector of elections. Members then nominate candidates, finalize their preferred voting method, and review candidate lists leading up to election day. Ballots are sent to members thirty days before the deadline, and the results are announced within fifteen days.

How to Choose an Election Inspector

One of the first steps you’ll need to take when holding an electronic election is hiring an inspector of elections. There are also some general election inspector appointment rules that must be considered. 

For one, the inspector must be a neutral third party. When choosing an inspector, you can turn to volunteer poll workers, licensed accountants, notary publics, and other approved professionals. Make sure you verify that the inspector you select is permitted to act in this role.

Breaking Down the Timeline

Under the Davis-Stirling Act, keeping voters informed is mandatory. Here’s a quick breakdown of key deadlines for your HOA election:

• 210 days prior to the election: Notify voters about the nomination process, candidate qualifications, board seats, and how to vote electronically. Let them know how to opt out of e-voting if they prefer paper voting.
• 150 days prior to the election: Send a reminder to members about the nomination deadline and the submission process.
• 120 days prior to the election: Nominations close.
• 90 days prior to the election: Homeowners must choose their voting method (online or written ballot).
• 75 days prior to the election: Share the list of candidates, including their names and addresses.
• 60 days prior to the election: Give notice that voter and candidate registration lists are available. Members have fifteen days to verify their personal information.
• 45 days prior to the election: Members should report any errors found on the voter list or candidate registration.
• 30 days prior to the election: Electronic voters receive e-ballots with instructions. Written ballot voters follow a different set of guidelines, so make sure you’re well-versed in both procedures.  

Casting and Tallying Votes

Once members cast their votes, the Davis-Stirling Act mandates that votes cannot be taken back or changed. Before the counting of votes, no member or HOA leader can access the tallies. 

After the election, the results must be shared with the HOA members within fifteen days. The inspector of elections stores all election materials at a safe, secure location until the challenge period has passed (usually about one year).

Why Choose ElectionBuddy

If this all sounds like a lot to manage, let ElectionBuddy be your guide. Our platform streamlines the entire voting process from start to finish. 

ElectionBuddy can keep you and the inspector of elections compliant with deadlines and automate communication and reminders to your voters. Electronic votes are secure and reported in real time, and elections are easy to audit in the event that any election issues pop up.

Our user-friendly platform can keep your HOA elections running smoothly and in compliance with all state-required timelines. This makes it easier for you to focus on what’s most important–serving your members and your community.