Voting for Officers after the annual election. What is the correct, polite way?

Started by NoelleC • 9 replies • 1224 views

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NoelleC (California)
Posts: 42

Posted:

I know that question sounds funny,but in the past from what I know and from what I have seen the homeowners vote in the board and the board essentially selects the position they want and everyone is happy.

This year is not going to be like that at all. Our election is days away and I would like to know how to suggest we do this differently. #1 our President position has several people who are interested in this, including a 6 month board member who has mailed out flyers months ago. ( he is very green and has made some really big mistakes with assumptions and workings, I don't think this would be the year for him. )

How do other HOA's vote? In secret or a show of hands?

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Unless the manner of voting is clearly stated in the bylaws, most groups vote by raising hands. Yea or Nay. But elections are not voted that way (yea or nay), so most groups vote elections by written ballot.

I don't like how our HOA votes. We vote for EACH officer first, then for 5 members at large. That's the officers and board. A couple of years ago, we couldn't even get a person to run for the Presidency.

After that, a Nominating Committee was formed, and they manage to get up a slate every year.

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

most HOA's elect board members, and then those members elect officer positions from among themselves.

members don't typically elect officers directly.

NoelleC (California)
Posts: 42

Posted:

I guess I didn' t post that very clearly. When the elected board selects positions, I know this guy is going to toss his green hat in the ring. I guess the only way to counter it it to toss my own in.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

If you want to be nominated for a Board officer position, then get someone to do that for you - or write yourself in on the ballot.

Let people know that you are interested in the position before the meeting.

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

or nominate yourself. there's nothing wrong with self nomination

MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043

Posted:

Brian is right! Don't be afraid to let the other board members know you are interested in being Pres. Explain why you would like that position and state your qualifications. When I was a board member we didn't use ballots. We just sat around the table and discussed each position. If someone said they wanted a particular position, they usually had it! One year there were 2 people left and only the ofc of V.P. left open. They drew straws to see who would be the V.P.! I found that most people would rather just be a director and not have the added responsibility of holding an officer position.

PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347

Posted:

NoelleC: Does your Association have a "description" of each Officer's role?
This would be helpful in enlightening those elected B-members to what Officer role would suit them the most, based on their abilities.

IF 'this guy' wants to seriously hold the President position, once he becomes an elected B-member, the board members as a group decide who will fulfill which Officer role. IF there is more than one who wants the Presidency, I suspect it would be accomplished through majority vote by Board members, but not the general membership itself unless your documents dictate otherwise.

You might search on this forum for job descriptions of Officer roles. I believe there might be something here that may help. It sounds like someone
in your assn. has to approach this in a slightly more professional manner, (Prop.Mgr.?) and to have the job descriptions at hand would be a help to this end.

MicheleD (Kentucky)
Posts: 4,491

Posted:

We just had our first board meeting since the Annual Meeting where the board was elected.

Our officers were nominated by motion, one at a time, the motions were seconded, and all members voted. All votes were unanimous.

We then moved to nominate 2 residents to fill 2 board vacancies since the annual meeting, the motions were seconded, and carried by unanimous vote.

I don't know if it was polite, or what, but it's all done, and we're off and running for another year.

The only thing I hate is that this year we have an even number of directors. We've never had an even number before.

BruceF1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 2,535

Posted:

Michele,

Cool. Just remember, when it happens (and it might); a tie vote is not a majority. The motion fails.

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