Add Voting rule to Rules and regulations

Started by MarkS42 • 5 replies • 267 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

MarkS42 (North Carolina)
Posts: 70

Posted:

We have a small condo association which requires over 50 percent to form a quorum. It is always a challenge each year to get these votes. Does anyone have in their rules and regulations to fine a member who does not submit a ballot for the annual meeting? I am thinking a small fine would give the members a little push.

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

Do either the covenants or bylaws require that owners vote? If not, you are out of line to suggest fining those who do not vote.

Do understand that the covenants and bylaws are contractual terms. The board is not allowed to invent new contractual terms, like requiring people to vote or else they will be fined.

The best approaches to ensure quorum is met are (in no particular order): Explain the situation and urge people to vote; offer $25 off the monthly dues to those who vote by such and such date (assuming absentee voting is allowed); offer electronic voting; amend the bylaws to eliminate the stupid quorum requirement for owners' meetings.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

I wouldnt offer a discount on assessments- it may not be a lot now, but people might demand more, and all of this can screw up the budget. Your budget is based on everyone paying the same amount. Offer a gift card drawing instead.

You don't say how small your community is, but you might want to see if homeowners would be willing to amend the documents to drop the quorum percentage or drop it altogether. Fifty percent is really high for an annual meeting 10 or 20 might be better. 50% is more appropriate when voting to amend the documents or approve a special assessment.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

A better way to correct this would be to lower the quorum requirement.

Many States are starting to address this issue and the common threshold I have seen is 10 percent.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

I took a look at the NC statute for condominiums and they specify 20 percent (had the bylaws been silent).

Therefore, I would recommend amending the quorum to 20%.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

With Tim, see if you can get a quorum to amend the Bylaws to 20% required for quorum. I

With others, do not lower dues for those who vote even for one month. It's OK in my state and maybe yours, too to have a drawing at the annual meeting for those who attend and offer prizes. Public it well in advance of the election.

Is voting absentee, i.e., by mail, permitted in your Bylaws or NC? Or must voters be physically present at the meeting?

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here