Ballot

A ballot is the official document — paper or electronic — through which homeowners cast their votes in board elections, on governing document amendments, or on major association decisions. Many states now require secret ballot voting for board elections, with ballots returned in sealed envelopes and counted by an independent inspector of elections rather than the board itself. Ballots must be provided to all eligible voters in advance, along with a written description of each candidate or measure on the ballot. Electronic voting platforms (such as Election Runner or HOA Elect) are increasingly accepted by state laws and governing documents as valid alternatives to paper ballots.

Secret ballot requirements and independent counting protect elections from manipulation. Communities that allow board members to see and count ballots before results are announced are at risk of election challenges.