California HOA Nomination Procedures Notice
A nomination procedures notice explains the mechanics of the nomination process: who may run, how to be nominated, how the association verifies candidates and how disputes about qualification are handled.
What Is This Notice?
This notice documents the procedural rules the association will follow while nominations are open. It complements the call for candidates by answering the practical questions members ask once they consider running.
It is educational and procedural. It does not decide the election; it establishes the shared expectations that make the later ballot and tabulation defensible.
When Is It Used?
It is generally issued at or near the opening of the nomination window and before ballots are prepared.
Some associations combine the nomination procedures content with the call for candidates in a single mailing; others send them separately so each document stays short and readable.
What Information Does It Typically Include?
- The accepted nomination methods and where nominations are submitted
- The nomination opening date and closing deadline
- Candidate qualification requirements from the adopted election rules
- Disqualification standards and how a candidate may respond to a disqualification determination
- Whether nominations from the floor are permitted under the governing documents
- Candidate statement rules, including length limits and submission deadlines
- How the association will verify membership and good standing
- How the association will treat an election where candidates do not exceed open seats
- Contact details for the inspector of elections
Who Receives the Notice?
All members entitled to vote receive the notice through the delivery method permitted by the governing documents and any individual delivery preference on file.
Associations often post the same information on a community portal, but posting alone does not replace required delivery.
Timing & Deadlines
Nomination procedure information should reach members with enough lead time that a member can realistically gather information and submit a nomination before the deadline.
The schedule should also leave the association time to verify candidates, evaluate whether acclamation applies and prepare ballots ahead of the annual meeting.
Election rules adopted by the association may set specific notice periods that are longer than statutory minimums.
Related California Civil Code
California Civil Code §5100
Secret ballot elections
Establishes which association actions must be conducted by secret ballot, including elections for board directors, and requires associations to adopt election rules.
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.
California Civil Code §5110
Inspector of elections
Covers appointment of one or three inspectors of elections, who may serve, and the duties of the inspector in administering the vote and tabulating ballots.
Last reviewed: August 10, 2026
Common Mistakes
- Publishing qualification standards that differ from the adopted election rules
- Failing to describe how a candidate may respond to a disqualification determination
- Adding new nomination requirements after the window has opened
- Leaving out the deadline for candidate statements
- Not identifying who verifies candidate eligibility
What Happens Next?
Once the candidate list is final, associations move toward the pre-ballot stage, where members receive information about the ballot before it is distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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