Preparing for Annual Elections: What Every HOA Should Know
Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Boards are comprised of volunteers, whose task it is to oversee all day-to-day functions and long-term planning in the community. Those responsibilities are quite large and can be overwhelming. To reduce burnout and ensure your HOA Board benefits from as many diverse viewpoints as possible, you will likely hold annual elections.
A well-run election will foster trust between homeowners and the Board, and it can set the tone for the year ahead. To ensure the most efficient and transparent HOA annual election, use the tips provided in this guide from RedBrick Community Management.
What are HOA Annual Elections?
HOA annual elections are the formal process by which your community’s residents can vote to fill the open seats on the Board. Typically, annual elections are held at or in connection with the annual meeting.
The process your annual election will follow depends on state laws and your community’s governing documents. However, it will likely include the following parts.
- Nomination period.
- Candidate statements.
- Delivery of ballots.
- Formal vote count.
- Announcement of results.
Your HOA needs to remember that annual elections are not merely a formality. They are also a legal obligation that must be held for your HOA to remain in compliance.
Steps to Ensuring a Smooth Annual Election
Just following the basic format will not ensure an efficient or smooth annual election. You will need careful preparation, clear communication, and adherence to the rules.
Follow these steps to make your annual election as stress-free as possible.
- Review governing documents and state/local laws.
Before planning your annual election, review your community’s bylaws, CC&Rs, and any state statutes or association laws. These documents will inform you about who is eligible to vote, the number of seats available, candidate eligibility requirements, notification timelines, and other relevant details. - Establish a clear timeline.
Create and share a written schedule for the election that includes the following information.
Nomination opening.• Nomination opening.
• Candidate submission deadline.
• Notice mailing date.
• Ballot distribution or online voting period.
• Vote count date.
• Annual meeting date and time (if applicable).A clear timeline will help avoid confusion and ensure the entire community is on the same page.
- Encourage candidate participation.
Your Board will only be as strong as the people on it. That is why you need qualified candidates for your homeowners to choose from. Encourage homeowners to nominate their peers for the open positions and consider providing candidate statements or a “meet the candidates” forum to help homeowners make informed choices. - Partner with an excellent community association management company.
Holding a successful annual election requires a significant amount of time and energy. For a Board unfamiliar with the process, it may seem overwhelming. That is why you may need the help of professionals.
If your HOA Board needs expert guidance on planning and executing its next election, contact the team at RedBrick Community Management. We will ensure your HOA conducts an election that is fair, transparent, and efficient.
Are You Ready to Experience the RedBrick Difference?
We understand the unique challenges your community association faces and are committed to making community management simpler, more transparent, and highly effective. As a local, independently owned company, RedBrick Community Management provides personalized service, deep community knowledge, and quick decision-making that national brands simply can’t match.
From our use of Vantaca, the industry’s most comprehensive community management software, to regular on-site community walk-throughs, expert financial guidance, and efficient compliance management, we deliver unparalleled service tailored specifically for our local community.
Partner with RedBrick Community Management today and begin building a stronger, more successful community association!
