California HOA Pre-Ballot Notice
The pre-ballot notice is a general notice sent to members before ballots are distributed. It gives members the practical details of the upcoming vote so nothing on the ballot arrives as a surprise.
What Is This Notice?
A pre-ballot notice is the association's advance communication about the election itself: the date ballots go out, the date and location of the meeting where ballots are counted, and how members can verify or correct their information.
It exists so members can participate meaningfully. A member who knows the schedule in advance can update a mailing address, request a replacement ballot or plan to observe the count.
When Is It Used?
It is sent after the candidate list is settled and before ballots are distributed.
In practice it is often the last notice a member receives before the ballot package arrives.
What Information Does It Typically Include?
- The date, time and location of the meeting at which ballots will be counted
- The date ballots are scheduled to be distributed
- The list of qualified candidates, where applicable
- The deadline for returning a ballot
- The name and contact information of the inspector of elections
- How a member may verify or correct the mailing address on file
- How a member may request a replacement ballot
- A reference to where members can review the association's election rules
Who Receives the Notice?
The pre-ballot notice is delivered as a general notice to the membership using the delivery methods permitted by the association's governing documents and California law.
Members who have elected a specific delivery method should receive it accordingly, and the association should retain proof of delivery.
Timing & Deadlines
California law addresses the timing of the general notice that precedes ballot distribution, so the notice must go out far enough ahead of the mailing date to satisfy that requirement.
Working backward from the annual meeting is the practical approach: fix the meeting date, then the ballot return deadline, then the ballot mailing date, then the pre-ballot notice date.
Association election rules may require a longer advance period than the statutory minimum.
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 §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.
California Civil Code §5115
Election notices and ballot procedures
Addresses pre-ballot notice content, the general notice sent before ballots are distributed, ballot distribution timing and the notice of the meeting at which ballots are counted.
California Civil Code §5120
Ballot counting and tabulation
Addresses the counting of ballots at a properly noticed open meeting, member observation of the tabulation and custody of ballots after the count.
Last reviewed: August 10, 2026
Common Mistakes
- Sending the pre-ballot notice too close to the ballot mailing date
- Listing a meeting date that later changes without re-noticing members
- Omitting the inspector of elections' contact information
- Not explaining how a member requests a replacement ballot
- Using an outdated candidate list
What Happens Next?
After the pre-ballot notice period, the association distributes ballots together with the annual meeting and ballot notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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