In any association or organization, one voice can make a lasting impact. Community elections in Australia, for example, offer every eligible voter the chance to cast their vote on issues that directly affect their everyday lives in their neighborhood.
When it comes to association election processes, each one can vary depending on the community and organization and what the election is for. Each organization has its own bylaws and procedures to follow, but their core values almost always remain the same.
The first step to any election is determining what the vote is for. Is there a new rule the community is voting to reject or put into place? Is it time for new leadership at the top of the organization?
Once the ballot is finalized, voters need to be engaged and educated about the election. No matter the magnitude of the election, voters won’t turn out if you aren’t communicating to them. So, how do you get them interested in voting and making a difference?
Community organization elections in Australia trends show more organizations are turning to online participation and voter engagement strategies. This can include social media campaigns with posts tailored to voters. Digital communication could also include putting together polls and surveys to gauge voter’s thoughts and perspectives, or sending email or text reminders about the upcoming election.
Platforms like ElectionBuddy make voter communication easier than ever, as election committees can send personalized messages using any language. Don’t have the time to send messages during the day? With ElectionBuddy, email and text reminders can be scheduled ahead of time to make it simple to engage the community while also protecting their votes.
Many of the challenges in traditional organization elections in Australia can include limited voter turnout, logistics, and prioritizing the security and accuracy of the entire voting process. Engaging with voters could lead to better voter turnout, but handling the election as it happens is just as important to the overall success of the process.
Most–if not all–community elections in Australia have set procedures they must follow to ensure each voter can cast their vote and have it counted towards the greater cause. Usually, there is an election officer in place to ensure that the organizations and groups hosting the election are in compliance with any rules or requirements.
These days, voters can usually cast their ballot either in person or online. With ElectionBuddy, community members can vote anonymously from anywhere using their phone or computer. ElectionBuddy systems are encrypted, meaning votes are safe and secure. When time is up, the election officer will count the votes, address any voting issues with full transparency, and determine and announce the winner of the election.
Whether it’s deciding who will lead and represent an organization or making decisions for the community, every vote is a vital part of shaping the future. Participating in community elections ensures that the needs, concerns, and hopes of each member is heard and addressed.
This commitment not only reflects the people involved, it also builds trust and creates accountability within the community. No matter the type of election, ElectionBuddy can help take the headaches out of the election planning process, making elections stress-free!