Rules of Proxies in Calif HOA loaw

I'm sure Kerri or someone from California will weigh in on this, but I believe your state does allow for proxy voting. You might want to go to the Davis-Stirling website, which is run by a law firm that specializes in HOA law - it has a lot of good information on many HOA issues including proxies.

There's nothing wrong with two or more people giving a proxy to the same person - when they complete the form, they usually indicate how the person is supposed to vote or give the proxy the authority to vote however they want on their behalf. Sometimes, people collect proxies from their neighbors and walk with a handful of them.

The issue is to ensure the people completing the ballots are eligible to cast a vote, the form is completed correctly (amazing how people sometimes miss things like signatures or sign in pencil) and the proxies are counted properly (in front of everyone else who's attending the meeting).

I think the language here isn't clear, Michael.

Is the meeting the annual meeting of Owners (members) to elect directors?

Or, a Board meeting to elect officers?

Unless your bylaws are very unusual, directors at an open board meeting elect the officers, e.g., prez, etc. This often is called an organizational meeting. Proxies may never be used in board meetings.

The org. meeting usually follows the annual meeting of owners, who've elected directors to the board. Since in CA Owners may vote by mail with secret ballots, no one in my HOA uses proxies any more. There's no requirement to attend the annual meeting and election in person.

So....which is it? Election of officers? Or election of directors, Michael?

(Sorry bout dbl.post)

Michael, are you on the Board?? Even if not, read your Bylaws, FIRST, to see how to do proxies in your HOA. They may not even be permitted.

I'm the Treasurer. Thanks, I'll do that