Proxy voting is a tool used by member-based organizations to facilitate their function. Online voting platforms have eased some of the barriers to these groups regularly holding secure and representative elections, but sometimes online voting is not enough. Proxy votes can fill in those gaps.
Common types of proxy votes include general, directed, limited, and durable. Each of these types of votes shape how voting authority is transferred and the limits of that authority.
A proxy vote is a vote cast by someone representing a voter. This is often a highly regulated process, as every vote can be important in an election. When proxy votes are part of a vote, a member gives written authorization to someone to cast a ballot on their behalf.
Proxy votes are used to meet quorum when memberships are dispersed or busy, and they can be an effective tool for keeping business moving while ensuring fair representation.
The proxy holder may need to be certified by the organization, and the scope of the proxy vote can vary. This process is overseen by local laws and internal bylaws of the organization. Those varying degrees of scope account for the multiple types of proxies.
| Proxy Type | Scope of Authority | When It’s Commonly Used | Key Considerations |
| General Proxy | Full authority to vote on all matters | Small boards or trusted relationships | High flexibility, but risk of power concentration |
| Directed Proxy | Must vote exactly as instructed | Board elections or issue-specific votes | Easy to audit and highly transparent |
| Limited Proxy | Authority restricted to certain issues | Mixed-agenda meetings | Balances flexibility with control |
| Durable Proxy | Valid across multiple meetings or elections | Long-term absences or recurring votes | Reduces paperwork but requires tracking and expiration controls |
A general (indirect) proxy gives the proxy holder the most authority. They allow the authorized replacement to vote as they see fit on any issue that is discussed or put on the ballot.
This kind of proxy is very flexible, meaning that votes can happen quickly and easily, but they are based on intense trust of the proxy holder. It’s common for organizations to place restrictions on general proxies, as they can lead to concentrated power in one voter if they are authorized to vote for multiple members.
ElectionBuddy’s proxy functionality supports general proxies.
Directed proxies specify how the proxy voter must vote on one or more issues. These votes allow the holder no discretion and they are obligated to follow the proxy giver’s written instructions. These proxies are used by members who are familiar with the issues and care about the outcomes, not trusting someone to understand their stance or come to the same conclusion.
Directed proxies are much easier to apply and audit, especially if thorough documentation is required. Directed proxy voting for board elections is more common than general.
Limited proxies are a mix of general and directed proxies. These votes allow the proxy holder to vote on specific issues or within specific boundaries.
If a member is unable to be present for a vote, they may direct their proxy holder to vote a specific way on the budget, and to vote as they see fit on a board election. The member may also direct their proxy to vote a certain way on a single issue and to not vote on any others.
Some organizations allow proxy holders to remain authorized over multiple meetings or elections. These durable proxies can be of any of the above types.
These votes can reduce paperwork, but increase tracking responsibility. Expiring proxies limit risk, but require more frequent documentation and verification.
Like many things in member-based organizations, there is no single right answer to which proxy voting system is best. ElectionBuddy has the experience these groups need not only to establish which types of proxies are right for their structure, but also help integrate this process. We can also help answer concerns organizations may have, such as how proxy voting impacts board elections!
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