California HOA Election Frequently Asked Questions
Questions boards, managers and homeowners ask most often about California HOA election notices, ballots and results. Each answer links to a deeper guide where one exists.
Election Notices
A California HOA board election typically involves a call for candidates, communication of the nomination procedures, a general pre-ballot notice, the annual meeting and ballot package, and a notice reporting the results. The exact set depends on the association's governing documents and adopted election rules.
Each notice has its own minimum: at least 30 days' notice before the nomination deadline, a pre-ballot general notice at least 30 days before ballots go out, ballots at least 30 days before the voting deadline, and results within 15 days after the election. Election rules may require more.
Yes. AB 1892 takes effect January 1, 2027. The initial acclamation notice moves from 90 to 30 days before the nomination deadline, the reminder must go out at least 10 days before it, and the electronic voting notice goes only to members voting electronically.
It is the general notice sent to members before ballots are distributed. It identifies the date and location of the meeting where ballots are counted, the ballot schedule and the inspector of elections.
It depends on the notice. Generally each notice states the relevant dates, the action the member can take, who to contact and where the applicable rules can be reviewed. Our individual notice pages list the elements typically included in each.
Delivery method depends on the association's governing documents and on delivery preferences individual members have on file. Associations should retain records showing what was sent, to whom and when.
Candidate Nominations
Nominations open early in the cycle so the association has time to verify candidates, evaluate acclamation and prepare ballots before the annual meeting.
Candidate qualifications come from the association's governing documents and adopted election rules, applied consistently to every member. Disqualification standards must also be applied uniformly.
A short written statement a candidate may submit for distribution with the election materials. Availability, length limits and deadlines are set by the association's election rules.
Floor nominations depend on the governing documents and election rules. Many California associations no longer accept them because ballots must be prepared and distributed in advance.
Voting & Ballots
Director elections use a secret ballot process. The double-envelope method keeps the member's identifying signature on the outer envelope separate from the ballot inside.
Many associations accept hand delivery to a designated location. The accepted return methods should be stated in the ballot notice and applied consistently to all members.
Associations generally have a replacement ballot procedure administered by the inspector of elections, with controls that prevent a member from voting twice.
No. Once the inspector of elections receives a ballot it is irrevocable (Civil Code §5120(a)), so members should confirm their selections before sealing the inner envelope.
Inspector of Elections
The inspector administers the vote: verifying the voter list, distributing and receiving ballots, resolving questions about validity, counting ballots at the open meeting and reporting the tabulation.
California law limits who may serve in order to preserve independence. Associations frequently retain a third-party professional to avoid conflicts of interest.
The inspector of elections counts the ballots at a properly noticed open meeting where members may observe the tabulation.
Election Results
Ballots are counted in public at a properly noticed open meeting, and the board must give general notice of the tabulated results within 15 days of the election (Civil Code §5120(b)).
Typically the tabulation for each candidate, the names of those elected, the date ballots were counted and how members may review election records.
The inspector keeps custody of ballots, signed envelopes, voter lists, proxies and candidate lists until the challenge period expires, then custody passes to the association (§5125). Because members have one year to challenge an election (§5145), keep everything for at least one year.
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Explore Full-Service HOA ElectionsElectionNotices.com provides general educational information regarding HOA elections and election notices. The information provided is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with qualified legal counsel. Election requirements may vary based on applicable law, an association's governing documents, election rules and individual circumstances.