As of January 1, 2025, California homeowner associations (HOAs) can implement electronic voting for most secret ballot elections. While not mandatory, electronic voting could bring your community’s election process into the 21st century—where everything else (including your coffee maker) already lives. Here’s what your HOA needs to do to get ready.

1. Update Election Rules: The First Step to Going Digital

If your HOA plans to adopt electronic voting, the first step is amending the Election Rules. The new law mandates that electronic voting can only be used if it’s officially incorporated into your HOA's governing documents, so no shortcuts here—it's official business.

Work with your HOA’s legal advisor to draft updated rules. One key question to tackle is: will paper ballots or electronic voting be the default? It's a big decision! Regardless of which options the association chooses members will have to opt-out if it is not their desired voting preference. Remember that any amendments to election rules must be adopted at least 90 days before an election.

2. Communicate with Homeowners Early and Often

Homeowners may have questions even if your HOA hasn’t implemented electronic voting yet. Proactively address concerns through newsletters, emails, or community meetings. Key points to communicate:

Electronic voting will only be used if your HOA adopts the necessary rules.
Encourage homeowners to update their email addresses with the association to ensure they’re eligible for electronic voting.

3. Strengthen Record-Keeping Systems

The new law means your HOA will need to track who’s voting electronically and who’s sticking with paper. Plus, keeping accurate email records is a must.

It’s a good time to send homeowners a friendly reminder to update their contact details—before they start missing out on votes and neighborhood get togethers.

4. Update Your Annual Disclosure

To stay on the right side of the new law, make sure your HOA’s Annual Disclosure and Policy Statement explains how homeowners can switch from electronic to paper voting (and vice versa) and note any important deadlines for doing so.

Final Thoughts

Embracing electronic voting might sound like a big leap, but it could streamline your HOA’s election process. With a little prep—updating rules, keeping homeowners informed, and tightening up those records—you’ll be ready to take your HOA into the future, one digital ballot at a time.