July 2025
Condo elections can be contentious. The right to vote for candidates and the voting process are important.
Most unit owners are aware that the condo board is the greatest factor impacting the value of their unit, how the building is being maintained and their quality of life in the community. The board has broad and extensive control over the operations of their community. Emotions and tempers can run high when it comes to the election process.
Condo owners need to have a high degree of confidence that the votes they cast are handled and counted properly. This can be achieved first by making them aware of candidates for office and what they stand for. Allow candidates to speak in a venue in advance of the election. Limit the annual general meeting (AGM) to voting and other necessary tasks.
Avoid election fraud by respecting the ballot. Have only a single standard form that will be accepted. Label each ballot with a unique control number corresponding to the unit, maintain a master list allowing the corporation to cross-reference ballots received with the master list, ensure only proper ballots were returned and counted, and that only one ballot per unit is counted. Electronic voting systems used by the condominium corporation should provide a comparable level of control systems.
When counting manual ballots, be transparent. Select volunteers from the meeting attendees to monitor those counting ballots by literally watching over their shoulders to ensure accuracy.
Confidence in the integrity of the condo election is essential to respecting the work and achievements of an elected condo board.
