Improving participation in Arizona HOA Elections has long been a challenge. Arizona HOA elections were previously required to be held in person or via mail-in ballot. Since 2016, however, online HOA election platforms like ElectionBuddy have been allowed under state law. These platforms can help HOAs and other organizations increase voter participation.
Prior to the amended law in 2016, HOA election participation was low. Fewer voters means a smaller percentage of members were making decisions for everyone. Some HOAs even had trouble reaching quorum (the minimum number of votes required to conduct an election).
The paper-based process was cumbersome and sometimes disruptive. Changing an address without informing the HOA often meant election notices never arrived. In turn, some members became disillusioned with the process, which led to a further drop in voter confidence. This cycle led to drops in participation.
Fortunately, the 2016 amendment has made governing HOA’s and administering elections far simpler.
Online voting systems such as ElectionBuddy make administering elections a breeze. HOAs no longer need to send hundreds or thousands of envelopes to members. Instead, members are registered on the online platform with just an email address and phone number.
Because emails and phone numbers are less likely to change, election notices can be sent to all members with a single click. This means a higher percentage of eligible voters are more likely to be informed of upcoming elections.
Once securely logged into the system, voters can easily view candidate profiles, see ballot measures, and select their choices. They can also receive disclosures that assist in understanding HOA voting rules. This speeds the election process and boosts participation in HOA elections.
| Step | Action | Benefit |
| 1 | Register members on an online voting platform | Ensures all eligible voters can receive election notices instantly |
| 2 | Send clear election notifications | Improves awareness and prevents missed deadlines |
| 3 | Provide access to candidate profiles & ballot measures | Informs voters and encourages engagement |
| 4 | Offer secure login with encryption & two-factor authentication | Builds voter confidence in security |
| 5 | Ensure vote anonymity | Protects privacy and encourages honest voting |
| 6 | Send multiple reminders before deadlines | Increases turnout by keeping elections top-of-mind |
| 7 | Provide digital receipts for each vote | Verifies participation and builds trust |
| 8 | Make election results transparent and auditable | Boosts confidence and reduces disputes |
| 9 | Provide expert guidance on state HOA election laws | Ensures legal compliance and reduces organizational liability |
Some voters are initially hesitant to vote online due to concerns about security. Thankfully, ElectionBuddy uses the same 256-bit encryption that major financial institutions rely on to keep data safe. Additionally, voters can opt for two-factor authentication where a text message code is sent to ensure the voter is who they claim to be.
Once a ballot is submitted, the voter receives a digital receipt with their confirmation code As the election concludes, the results can be tallied instantly.
ElectionBuddy also protects voters anonymity. HOA board members are not able to see how members voted on a Secret Ballot, as each vote is stripped of any identifying information.
Auditing online elections is far simpler than physical recounts. Should any discrepancies occur during the election, it’s easy to compare votes and root out irregularities.
By boosting voter confidence in online elections, more members are likely to turn out to vote, thereby enhancing the democratic process for the entire membership base.
It’s clear that customers love ElectionBuddy’s services. Membership across organizations of all types is growing, and each organization that makes the switch to online voting typically sees a large uptick in voter participation and satisfaction.
When voters believe their vote truly matters, they are far more likely to take part in an election. With ElectionBuddy’s help, any organization can make holding elections easier than ever before!
Want to learn more about voting for HOAs? Check out Legal Framework for Homeowner Election Procedures
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