August 2020
Voting is an integral part of condo living. Owners vote for directors. Directors deliberate and vote on matters before the board. The Condo Act – Section 52 – states that votes may be cast by a show of hands or recorded vote.
Show of Hands
When a motion is on the floor, and possibly seconded, those eligible to vote can raise their hands to show support for or against a proposed motion. This quick and easy method requires owners to disclose their vote in the open. The chair announces the result of a vote and it is recorded in the minutes. Individual votes are not recorded eliminating the possibility of a recount.
When voting by a show of hands, care should be taken to reflect owners and proxy-holders representing multiple votes. In condo meetings where multiple attendees may reflect a single vote, one solution is to provide a piece of coloured paper or stick to each voting unit for casting their vote.
Best used for:
√ Procedural matters
√ Board meetings
Recorded Vote
Recorded votes are cast by the owner or proxy-holder on a ballot. Votes may be made using a printed ballot, telephonic, or electronic means if available. Recorded votes have evidence of the result of a vote.
Any person entitled to vote at a meeting can request a recorded vote prior to or right after voting by show of hands.
Best used for:
√ Sensitive Matters
√ Election or removal of directors
√ Revision of governing documents including by-laws and declaration
√ Close or contentious votes where a recount or legal challenge may occur
