California HOA Election Notice Timeline
Every California HOA election runs backward from the annual meeting date. Fix the meeting first, then work back through ballot distribution, the pre-ballot notice and the nomination window. The stages below show where each notice belongs and which statutes to review when setting the schedule.
Calculate Your Election TimelineMinimum California HOA Election Timeline
- 90+ days before the nomination deadline: initial notice (only if acclamation may be used) Starting January 1, 2027: 30+ days, with a reminder 10+ days before the deadline (AB 1892). See the 2027 changes
- 30+ days before the nomination deadline: nomination procedure and deadline notice
- 30+ days before ballots go out: pre-ballot general notice and voter/candidate list verification
- 30+ days before the voting deadline: ballots and election rules delivered
- Election day: ballots counted at an open meeting
- Within 15 days after: results notice to members
- 1 year after: challenge period ends, election records custody passes to the association
These are statutory minimums under the Davis-Stirling Act. Your governing documents or election rules may require more time.
- 1
Candidate Nominations
The association opens nominations and invites eligible members to run for the open board seats.
General timing: General notice at least 30 days before the nomination deadline (§5115(a)); individual notice at least 90 days before it if acclamation may be used (§5103).
California Civil Code §5115
Election notices and ballot procedures
Sets the core deadlines: 30 days' notice before the nomination deadline, a general notice 30 days before ballots are distributed, ballots mailed 30 days before the voting deadline, and reconvened meeting rules when quorum fails.
California Civil Code §5103
Election by acclamation
Describes the conditions under which an association may seat candidates without a ballot when the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open seats.
- 2
Nomination Procedures
Members receive the procedural rules: qualification standards, submission methods and candidate statement rules.
General timing: Acknowledge each nomination and confirm the nominee's eligibility within 7 business days. Members can verify voter and candidate lists at least 30 days before ballots go out.
California Civil Code §5103
Election by acclamation
Describes the conditions under which an association may seat candidates without a ballot when the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open seats.
California Civil Code §5105
Election rules and candidate qualifications
Addresses the content of an association's election rules, including nomination procedures, candidate qualifications, disqualification standards and access to media and common areas.
- 3
Pre-Ballot Notice
Advance general notice of the counting meeting, the ballot schedule and the inspector of elections.
General timing: At least 30 days before ballots are distributed (about 60 or more days before the election).
California Civil Code §5115
Election notices and ballot procedures
Sets the core deadlines: 30 days' notice before the nomination deadline, a general notice 30 days before ballots are distributed, ballots mailed 30 days before the voting deadline, and reconvened meeting rules when quorum fails.
- 4
Ballot / Meeting Notice
The annual meeting notice and secret ballot package are distributed with voting instructions and the return deadline.
General timing: Ballots mailed at least 30 days before the voting deadline, with the election rules (§5105(h)).
California Civil Code §5115
Election notices and ballot procedures
Sets the core deadlines: 30 days' notice before the nomination deadline, a general notice 30 days before ballots are distributed, ballots mailed 30 days before the voting deadline, and reconvened meeting rules when quorum fails.
California Civil Code §5105
Election rules and candidate qualifications
Addresses the content of an association's election rules, including nomination procedures, candidate qualifications, disqualification standards and access to media and common areas.
- 5
Election
Ballots are returned and counted by the inspector of elections at an open meeting members may observe.
General timing: Votes counted in public at a properly noticed open meeting. If quorum fails, reconvene at least 20 days later with 15 days' notice.
California Civil Code §5120
Ballot counting and tabulation
Requires votes to be counted in public at a properly noticed open meeting, makes a received ballot irrevocable, and requires general notice of the tabulated results within 15 days of the election.
California Civil Code §5115
Election notices and ballot procedures
Sets the core deadlines: 30 days' notice before the nomination deadline, a general notice 30 days before ballots are distributed, ballots mailed 30 days before the voting deadline, and reconvened meeting rules when quorum fails.
- 6
Election Results
Tabulated results are reported to the membership and election materials are retained as association records.
General timing: General notice of the results within 15 days of the election. Keep materials at least one year (challenge period).
California Civil Code §5120
Ballot counting and tabulation
Requires votes to be counted in public at a properly noticed open meeting, makes a received ballot irrevocable, and requires general notice of the tabulated results within 15 days of the election.
California Civil Code §5145
Enforcement and remedies
Lets a member sue within one year of the results announcement; courts must void a noncompliant election unless the association proves the outcome was unaffected, with civil penalties up to $500 per violation.
Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
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Have Professionals Manage Your ElectionElectionNotices.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.