Informational Blog About HOA Elections
What is the Process for a Recall?
The Recall process begins when at least 5% of homeowners sign and submit a petition to the Board requesting a special meeting for a Recall. The Board then has 20 days within which to set the date for the Recall vote and send notice to homeowners of the date. The...
How to Find An HOA Election Inspector
Pursuant to new laws in the State of California, Civil Code §5110(b), homeowner associations (HOAs) are now required to hire 3rd party inspectors for board elections. These HOA election inspectors work with the board of directors to conduct an independent and unbiased...
5 Things To Do To Get Ready for Your Next HOA Election
All of a sudden, it’s time to start the next election for your HOA. It seemed so far in the future and then you realize…it’s here! Fortunately, you are already prepared because you followed these simple steps: Keep your HOA mailing list up to date. One of the first...
Why Do HOA Board Elections Take So Long?
The primary reason why HOA board elections take so long is because of certain requirements mandated by SB 323, which went into effect in January 2020. Among other requirements, SB 323 added the requirement for an additional notice in the HOA election process. This...
Can the Outer Envelopes be Opened Prior to the Election?
Our advice to our HOA clients is that we can and should open the outer envelopes (but not the secret ballot envelopes) in advance of the ballot-counting meeting. Dong so preserves voter anonymity and is not inconsistent with the statute. Civil Code 5120(a) states that...
Recommendation About Pre-Printed Return Addresses
Individualized return addresses should not be printed on the outer envelope used to return a ballot because doing so dramatically increases the number of spoiled ballots. This advice sounds counter-intuitive, so let us explain. All associations are required to use a...
How to Choose An Inspector of Elections
Inspectors of Elections may all look the same from the outside, but there are actually important differences between them. Here are some things to look for: (1) Are they experienced with California HOA elections? (2) Is their proposal all-inclusive for all the HOA...