The Benefits of Conducting HOA Elections and Voting Online

In this age of advanced technology where nearly everybody is tied to their computer, tablet, or cell phone, homeowners associations in states that allow for voting through online elections would benefit by incorporating the process into their rules and procedures for conducting elections. Studies have shown that associations that conduct online elections have not only increased homeowner participation in the election, but they have also cut costs by utilizing the online voting process.

Overview of the Online Voting Procedure

Online elections within homeowners associations can be conducted by utilizing third-party services and/or software that is now available for purchase by a homeowners association. The process starts with downloading homeowner/voter information into a computer system. When it is time for the election of new directors or for homeowners to vote on a proposed measure, online ballots are created. Information relative to the election such as candidate biographies, photos, election rules, critical dates, quorums, proxies, etc is downloaded and emailed to the members. Email notifications inviting the vote and/or providing reminders, and confirming action by the voter can be scheduled. When it’s time for the election, homeowners identify themselves online by entering their private registration code, name, email address and password to view and read about the candidates and/or ballot measures, and then instantly records their vote by a “click of the mouse.” The system generates an online confirmation that is emailed to the member which confirms that the vote was recorded and how the member voted. The third-party service provider, or the association’s election official (i.e. inspector of elections) then tracks the automatically tabulated election results in real-time, eliminating the need for the outdated, complex and time consuming process of manually handling and counting paper ballots. When the time for casting votes has ended, election officials access information concerning the election online and are able to determine such things as: