What is Cumulative Voting in HOA Elections?

If you're preparing for an upcoming election in your condo or HOA, you may have come across the term cumulative voting. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it affect your community’s elections?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Cumulative Voting?

Cumulative voting is a method of voting that allows unit owners to distribute their total votes in a way that gives them more influence over the outcome. Instead of casting one vote per open seat, owners can allocate multiple votes to one or more candidates.

Here’s a simple example:

Let’s say your board has three open seats and each owner is allowed three votes.

With cumulative voting, an owner could:

• Give one vote to each of three candidates (1-1-1),

• Give two votes to one and one to another (2-1-0), or

• Give all three votes to a single candidate (3-0-0).

This system is different from straight voting, where each voter can only cast one vote per candidate and must spread their votes evenly.

Why Would an HOA Use Cumulative Voting?

Cumulative voting is often used to help minority groups or less-represented viewpoints gain a seat at the table. It can give smaller interest groups within a community a better chance of electing a preferred candidate, even if they don’t have majority support.

This method can be especially useful in communities with:

• Diverse demographics or differing priorities,

• A history of one group dominating the board,

• A desire to ensure more balanced or representative decision-making.

Is Cumulative Voting Right for Your HOA?

It depends on your community’s needs and your governing documents.

Some HOA bylaws or state laws specifically allow or require cumulative voting, while others prohibit it. Before considering this method, check:

• Your HOA’s declaration and bylaws

• Your state or provincial condo/HOA legislation

• Whether your legal counsel recommends it

If your bylaws are silent, you may need a vote of the membership to adopt cumulative voting formally.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Helps ensure minority voices are heard

• Can promote more diversity on the board

• Allows voters more flexibility in choosing who to support

Cons:

• Can be confusing if not explained clearly

• May lead to tactical voting

• Could result in one candidate winning a seat with a small, concentrated group of supporters

Clear communication and education are key if your community chooses this method.

Making It Easier with Electronic Voting

Cumulative voting can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

With CondoVoter’s electronic voting platform, you can run a cumulative vote election with ease. Our system handles vote allocation automatically and guides homeowners through the process step by step. No confusion. No miscounts.

Whether you use cumulative or traditional voting, our fully managed services help you run smoother, more secure, and better-participated elections.

Have questions about your next election?

We’re here to help. Contact us at info@condovoter.com to talk to one of our voting specialists or book a free demo to see how CondoVoter works.