Board Elections 101: Running Fair and Smooth Elections
Introduction
Board elections are one of the most important events in any co-op, condo, or HOA. They give residents a voice in how their community is governed and ensure boards remain accountable. Unfortunately, poorly planned or poorly run elections often create tension, mistrust, or even legal challenges. At Jonasvar, we believe successful elections require transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with governing documents.
Common Election Challenges
The most frequent problems we see are lack of quorum, low turnout, disputes over eligibility, and confusion about how the election is run. Boards also create mistrust when they do not clearly outline the process or when residents feel excluded. Setting clear expectations and verifying eligibility up front are essential to prevent conflict.
How Jonasvar Supports the Process
Our role begins well before election day. Jonasvar reviews the community’s governing documents, verifies voter eligibility, and ensures all notice deadlines are met. We coordinate election notices and prepare ballots in compliance with bylaws. In calm climates where there is no contention, we provide cost-saving options such as templates and ballots developed with legal counsel. In more contentious elections, we recommend third-party oversight, such as Honest Ballot, to guarantee fairness and resident confidence.
Reaching Quorum and Encouraging Participation
Achieving quorum is one of the biggest challenges for many boards. Jonasvar helps by encouraging participation through in-person updates, newsletters, virtual communications, and when permitted, proxies or absentee ballots. By making participation easier, we help communities meet quorum requirements and avoid costly adjournments.
Ensuring Fairness During the Election
All rules are set months in advance so there is no ambiguity when ballots are cast. If disputes arise, we work in coordination with the property’s legal counsel to resolve them. In highly contested elections, third-party oversight ensures every resident’s rights are protected and the process remains transparent and impartial.
After the Election
Once voting is complete, Jonasvar coordinates with counsel to certify results, document outcomes, and promptly communicate them to residents. In cases where there may be concerns, third-party providers manage the entire election process for added transparency. We also support smooth transitions by briefing the new board on pending projects, open items, the current budget, and governing documents.
Industry Gaps
Many management companies fall short by failing to involve legal counsel, ignoring notice deadlines, or neglecting eligibility verification. Others avoid third-party oversight even in tense situations, leading to mistrust. Jonasvar ensures that every election is compliant, transparent, and supported by the appropriate professionals.
Real-World Examples
In one community, Jonasvar ensured a timely election by distributing governing documents to all shareholders in advance and hosting a pre-election meeting to answer questions. This prevented disputes and gave residents confidence in the process. In another case, our regular communication with residents minimized mistrust during a tense election. Because residents were already accustomed to open dialogue with our office, they trusted the process and respected the outcome.
The Jonasvar Difference
We view elections as opportunities to build trust and strengthen governance. By verifying eligibility, meeting deadlines, encouraging participation, and using legal or third-party oversight when appropriate, Jonasvar ensures elections are not just fair but confidence-building.
The Bottom Line
Elections are the foundation of fair governance in any community. When run with clarity, compliance, and professionalism, they reinforce trust and accountability.
Let Us Help
At Jonasvar Inc., we manage your property like it’s our own by guiding boards through fair, transparent elections that strengthen governance and community trust.
Wondering if your board’s election process is as clear and transparent as it should be?