Elections & Voting

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  • How are Board members elected?

    Board members are generally elected by the association's membership pursuant to applicable Illinois law and the association's governing documents.


    The process commonly involves advance notice, candidate nominations, ballots or proxies where permitted, establishment of a quorum and tabulation of votes.


    Election procedures should be reviewed before—not after—the election begins.

  • How often must an association hold an election?

    Associations ordinarily conduct elections in connection with annual membership meetings, although Board terms and election cycles depend upon the governing documents and applicable law.

  • What is a proxy?

    A proxy authorizes another person to act on an owner's behalf within the scope of the proxy.


    A proxy is not automatically the same thing as a ballot.


    This distinction creates confusion in many association elections and is one reason election documents should be carefully prepared.

  • Can owners vote electronically?

    Electronic voting may be available when the association follows applicable Illinois statutory requirements and properly adopts the procedures necessary to use it.


    Boards interested in moving from traditional paper elections to electronic voting should establish the process well before election notices are distributed.

  • Can an association conduct its annual meeting virtually?

    Potentially, yes, depending upon applicable law and the association's governing documents and procedures.


    Virtual elections became much more common following the pandemic and remain useful for many communities. The Board should nevertheless ensure that notice, quorum, voting and participation requirements are properly addressed.

  • Who counts the ballots?

    The answer can depend upon the association's governing documents and election procedures.


    Because election disputes often arise from perceived unfairness rather than actual misconduct, Boards should use a transparent, consistent process.

  • What happens if there is no quorum at the annual meeting?

    Failure to achieve quorum can prevent the association from conducting certain membership  business, including completing an election in some circumstances.


    The governing documents should be reviewed to determine the next step, including whether the meeting may be adjourned or reconvened.

  • Can a Board member run for reelection?

    Generally, yes, unless a governing-document provision or applicable legal restriction provides otherwise.

  • Can the Board appoint someone to fill a vacancy?

    Often, yes, but the correct procedure depends upon how the vacancy occurred, applicable law and the association's bylaws.


    Boards should review those authorities before filling the seat.

  • Can owners remove a Board member?

    Illinois law and association governing documents can provide mechanisms for removing directors. Removal is a significant governance action and requires strict compliance with notice, voting and procedural requirements.


    A Board facing an organized removal effort should seek legal advice early rather than waiting until the removal meeting.