Before changing any behaviors, people want to know what’s in it for them. Therefore, when using online shareholder voting systems, it’s essential to educate shareholders not just on how to use the platform but also on the many benefits a reputable online system offers them.
Keep it simple. Provide short, engaging tutorials and other visual learning resources to explain best practices for remote shareholder voting rather than relying on dense how-to manuals. Shareholders are busy and don’t have time to wade through mountains of information to figure out how to use a voting platform.
ElectionBuddy has a two-minute MeetingVote video that is a perfect example of how to blend simplicity with the need for knowledge. In this short video, ElectionBuddy clearly explains how shareholders are informed of and register for a meeting, enter credentials, and vote on various issues.
The video demonstrates how a shareholder would click through screens to approve or reject a motion or vote for a candidate running for a board position. It also shows how the voting process can be repeated multiple times until the shareholders have weighed in on all the issues on the table. An election administrator can personalize the learning experience by demonstrating the voting software during a shareholder meeting and answering questions and concerns during or after the presentation.
Any supplemental learning materials should be tailored to the specific shareholder audience. They don’t need to know about every possible scenario that can arise in other types of elections, they just need to understand the features that will help them cast their ballots on matters affecting the organization. One such example is the proxy-voting feature in ElectionBuddy that allows shareholders to assign their vote to another person if they are unable to vote themselves.
| Topic to Explain | What Shareholders Should Know | Why It Matters |
| How the Voting Platform Works | Shareholders log in with secure credentials, access their ballot, and vote on motions or candidates through a simple interface. | Clear instructions reduce confusion and encourage participation |
| Tutorials and Training Resources | Short videos, demonstrations, and step-by-step guides help shareholders learn the process quickly. | Visual learning tools make new technology easier to understand |
| Proxy Voting Options | Shareholders can assign their vote to another authorized individual if they cannot participate directly. | Ensures every shareholder has representation in the voting process |
| Security and Privacy Protections | Voting software uses encryption, voter verification, and anonymous ballots to protect sensitive data. | Builds trust in the integrity and confidentiality of digital voting |
| Audit Trails and Transparency | Voting systems track activity and maintain records to confirm votes were cast and counted properly. | Supports accountability and helps resolve disputes if they arise |
| Accessibility and Convenience | Shareholders can vote from any location and on any device without attending in-person meetings. | Makes participation easier for busy or geographically dispersed voters |
| Faster Results and Efficiency | Votes are counted in real time, allowing organizations to share results quickly. | Saves time and resources compared to manual voting processes |
The bottom line is that simplifying the voting process for shareholders will boost participation, giving them a consistent voice in decisions that impact an organization's direction and long-term performance. Explain to shareholders how intuitive, user-friendly voting software like ElectionBuddy enables even those with minimal technical skills to vote.
In addition, ElectionBuddy is dedicated to keeping voting anonymous, protecting sensitive information, and preventing hackers and other actors from manipulating a vote. When educating shareholders, emphasize the built-in security measures of voting software that make it as secure as in-person voting. Share details on the methods ElectionBuddy uses, such as voter verification, encrypted transmissions, audit trails, and independent observers, to protect the integrity of electronic voting.
Another key advantage of using online voting software is that it’s accessible anytime, from any location, on any device. This is a meaningful and convenient benefit for shareholders with busy schedules who can’t always attend traditional, in-person meetings.
Online voting also saves time and resources that would be consumed with in-person voting and manual counting. Because voting happens in real time, results can be shared quickly and with confidence.
Explore ElectionBuddy’s resources today to discover why world-class organizations across different industries and business sectors choose our intuitive platform for their voting needs. We offer a range of videos, tip sheets, webinars, and other helpful resources to educate shareholders about the many advantages of online voting and how to use our many features!