Coming Home Magazine

THE WHAT What's an association election? An association election is the formal process of selecting board members to lead your community. Volunteer residents run for one of the available positions—typically president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer—and campaign for votes. Every association is unique, so elections can look different from one community to the next. However, there's always an official voting process to designate who will take roles and serve on the board. THE WHEN When and how often do elections happen? The short answer is once a year. Communities usually elect a new board of directors during the annual meeting, when the majority of residents are present. But there are exceptions. Some associations hold elections every two or three years, and there could be special elections if a position opens unexpectedly. Your relevant laws and governing documents will have additional information on when and how often elections happen. THE WHO Who gets to vote? Here's the exciting part—you! Those who own property in an association get to choose who sits on their board of directors. Because owners understand their community's needs more than anyone, it only makes sense that they vote for the candidates they trust to make the best decisions. A certain percentage of owners must vote for the election to be valid, making your participation vital. If an owner can't vote themselves, your association may allow proxy voting, which means an appointed person can cast your vote on your behalf. Check your community's rules to learn who that appointed person can be. THE WHERE Where does voting take place? In many communities, residents fill out a physical ballot and submit their votes in person wherever the annual meeting is held. The votes are then tallied to determine the winners. Some associations use mail-in ballots, electronic ballots, or online voting methods to make voting convenient for busy residents. Keep an eye out for election announcements, including specifics on where you'll vote. Of course, you can check your governing documents or ask current leaders for guidance, too. THE HOW How does an association election work? Association elections take careful planning and attention to detail to go off without a hitch. Luckily, your community will have voting procedures to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here's what happens during an election: • Election announcements. A few weeks before the election, you'll receive an announcement about the upcoming vote. Mark your calendar and plan on attending the meeting to vote. • Campaigning. In some communities, candidates will campaign for residents' votes. You may get candidate info in the mail, or even see that person around the neighborhood sharing insights and goals as the election date approaches. • The voting process. Election day is here! Whether you vote at the annual meeting, have a proxy, or use an online platform, follow your association's rules so your vote counts. • Vote tallying. After the election ends, the final votes are totaled, and winners are announced. Bigger communities may partner with a third-party company for assistance. • Leadership transition. Your association should have a transition plan to help new board members find their footing and keep projects moving forward. THE WHY Why do association elections matter? Strong leadership is the backbone of every community. The board is tasked with key duties, such as handling finances, enhancing existing amenities, spearheading projects, and promoting residential harmony. If leaders lack experience or a passion for the job, it can affect your community in more ways than one. An association election isn't just a formality—it's your opportunity to steer the community in the right direction. Supporting the candidates who align with your goals can shape the association into a thriving community for years to come. RUNNING FOR A BOARD POSITION? Thinking about running for your association's board? Great idea! Communities always need qualified candidates to join in on the fun. Here's a quick checklist to help you get started on your election journey. 3 Know the issues. Attend meetings and talk to current board members about the issues that matter most to your community. 3 Understand the process. Dust off your governing documents and dig into association rules and election guidelines. 3 Be prepared. Learn about the position you're running for and the duties you'll be expected to fulfill. 3 Connect. Put yourself out there! Go to events and talk to other residents to build trust and visibility within the community. 3 Follow the rules. Respect and adhere to official election, nomination, and voting procedures. 3 Generate enthusiasm. Hype up the election and confirm residents know when, where, and how to vote. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 35

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