HOA Voting Requirements

HOA voting requirements vary based on the state laws where the HOA is incorporated. They must also follow federal voting laws. However, the requirements are generally similar and involve providing notice of elections, voting methods, deadlines, and results. HOA online elections through companies such as ElectionBuddy have vastly simplified the process. 

Requirements HOAs Must Meet

HOAs each have slightly different voting requirements based on how they are incorporated and the state in which they reside. Some HOAs are structured as a corporation while others are non-profits. 

In a corporation, HOA members are typically considered shareholders with one property equaling one share. Non-profits often dictate that each property equals one vote. 

Both types of incorporation require that the HOA follow these rules:

• Notification of elections must be sent to all members usually no less than thirty days before the election.
• Voters need to receive materials that indicate who and what they will be voting for during the election.
• The HOA must send ballots to each member and inform them of the deadline for returning ballots.

HOA Voting Requirements

Member Voting Requirements

Understanding HOA voting rules is critical to casting a ballot. Unlike general elections for government, each property, rather than each person, is assigned one vote. For properties with more than one resident on the title deed, one will usually be chosen as the voting member, provided they meet some requirements:

• Members must be in good standing with the HOA in order to vote. This means they must be current on all outstanding dues and payments to the HOA.
• Good standing requirements may also extend to members who have violated HOA policy and have not rectified the issue with the association.
• Proxy voters are typically permitted but must be approved in advance. This means members who are not present can select a person to vote on their behalf.
• Members have a responsibility to update the HOA of any change in address and contact information. 
• Votes by members must be cast before the deadline stated in the election notices they receive.

How Online Voting Simplifies the Process

Companies like ElectionBuddy have been conducting online elections for years. We work with organizations of all types, including HOAs. Our user-friendly platform allows HOAs to schedule votes, send election announcements, and tally results instantly. 

The voter side of ElectionBuddy’s platform is similarly secure and easy to use. Voters can log in using encrypted credentials and two-factor authentication. They can view candidate profiles, see ballot measures, and cast their vote. Once the member has voted, they will receive a confirmation code. 

When an election concludes, the results are available almost instantly. They are also transparent and available for all members to see. Should any vote be contested, ElectionBuddy has auditable logs to identify and correct discrepancies. 

Finally, we have election experts ready to help HOAs and organizations run their elections; these experts understand each state’s election laws and how they interact with the type of HOA. This helps ensure compliance with HOA election method legality and reduces liability to the organization!