What is a Proxy?

 

In the simplest of terms, a proxy is a “permission slip” that you give to another homeowner that gives them the right to vote at an election on your behalf.

 

When do I use a Proxy?

 

When you cannot attend an election yourself (Example: out-of-state owners, people who work while the election is being held, etc). You would then give your proxy to a homeowner you A) trust, and B) know will be attending the election and voting, and C) does not owe money to the association.

 

Can I only give a proxy to a homeowner I know?

 

It is highly recommended. If you know no specific homeowner, you can assign your proxy to the board of directors, who then usually assigns the proxy to the Secretary.

 

Are Proxies used for anything else?

 

They are also used in establishing a quorum for the election. A quorum is the minimum number of valid voters needed to hold an election.

 

Is a Proxy considered an absentee ballot?

 

No.

 

Is there a limit to the number of Proxies one homeowner can be given?

 

No.

 

Can Proxies be given to board members up for recall or reelection?

 

Yes. Board members are dues-paying homeowners, and all homeowners who don’t owe money to the HOA can vote at an election.

 

If one homeowner has a lot of proxies, doesn’t that mean they have a greater chance of causing an unfair landslide vote?

 

Not necessarily. The idea here is that the results would be the same whether people issued proxies or just showed up and filled out a secret ballot on their own. You are responsible for whom you give your proxy to, and that person is responsible for voting on your behalf. Therefore it is almost critical that you give your proxy to a homeowner you trust and share a common voting preference with. This helps to make sure your interests are more accurately represented at the election.

 

Copyright © 2006-2011 Michelle Marie Kinney

Proxies!

 

By Michelle Marie Kinney

Founder - e-Pointe!