Voting Season in HOAs: What Homeowners Should Know
By Anjali Patel
If you live in an Arizona homeowners association (HOA), voting season can feel overwhelming. Whether it is electing board members, approving budgets, or amending community rules, HOA votes affect everything from how much you pay in assessments to what you can do with your property. Understanding the process and your rights as a homeowner helps ensure your voice is heard.
This guide walks through the basics of HOA voting in Arizona, common issues that arise, and what homeowners should keep in mind during election season.
Why HOA Voting Matters
HOAs are governed by volunteer boards of directors who make decisions on behalf of the community. These boards control:
Assessments and fees, including increases
Maintenance and repair decisions
Enforcement of CC&Rs and community rules
Community projects and amenities
Your vote decides who sits on that board and, in some cases, whether proposed changes go into effect. Voting is the primary way homeowners influence how their community is run.
The Legal Framework in Arizona
Most HOAs in Arizona are organized as nonprofit corporations. Voting rules are guided by two sets of laws:
The Arizona Planned Community Act or Condominium Act, depending on the community
The Arizona Nonprofit Corporation Act
Together, these laws and your community’s governing documents (CC&Rs, bylaws, articles of incorporation) outline how elections and votes must take place.
For example:
Secret ballots are required in Arizona HOA elections for board members.
One vote per lot or unit is the default, unless your governing documents state otherwise.
Proxy voting, which allows someone else to vote on your behalf, is limited and must follow specific procedures.
Common HOA Votes
While annual board elections get the most attention, HOAs often hold votes on other issues, including:
Budget approvals that determine assessment amounts
Special assessments for unexpected expenses or major projects
Amendments to governing documents, which often require a supermajority vote
Rule changes that restrict or guide homeowner behavior
Records Requests: Checking the HOA’s Paper Trail
Homeowners have the right to inspect and copy HOA records, including election materials, under Arizona law. HOAs must keep election records for at least one year.
This means you can request access to ballots, sign-in sheets, and other voting documents within a year of the election. Records requests should be made in writing, and the association must respond within a short deadline. Reviewing these records is often the first step if you suspect irregularities in an election. Waiting longer than a year can eliminate the association’s duty to keep those documents.
Electronic Voting in Arizona HOAs
Traditionally, HOA voting took place only at in-person meetings. Today, many Arizona HOAs are adopting electronic voting systems, a practice supported by the Nonprofit Corporation Act and often permitted by governing documents.
Key points to know:
Electronic ballots must still protect secrecy in board elections.
HOAs must provide a secure system to confirm the identity of the voter.
Paper ballots should remain available unless documents state otherwise.
Electronic voting can make participation easier, especially for out-of-state owners or those who cannot attend meetings.
How to Prepare as a Homeowner
Review your community’s governing documents. Check the bylaws and CC&Rs to understand how votes are conducted and what notice you should receive.
Pay attention to notices. Arizona law requires advance notice of elections and meetings. Notices should explain what is being voted on, how to cast your ballot, and any deadlines.
Ask about absentee, mail-in, or electronic voting. If you cannot attend the meeting, ask about alternatives. Arizona law allows absentee and electronic ballots under certain conditions.
Verify your eligibility. Only owners in good standing, meaning current on assessments, may be eligible to vote. Confirm your status before the meeting.
Common Problems During HOA Elections
Even with laws in place, disputes still arise. Some common issues include:
Improper notice of elections or meetings
Violations of ballot secrecy
Confusion over proxies, absentee ballots, or electronic ballots
Unclear vote counts or lack of transparency
Disputes over quorum requirements, which set the minimum participation needed for a valid vote
If something seems off, keep records. Save notices, emails, and ballots in case you need to raise a concern later.
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem
If you believe your HOA mishandled an election or vote:
Communicate in writing. Ask the board or management company for clarification by letter or email so there is a paper trail.
Review the statutes and your governing documents. Many answers are spelled out directly.
Make a records request. If you act within one year, you can inspect election materials to verify the process.
Talk to neighbors. Other homeowners may share your concerns.
Seek legal advice. If the issue persists, an HOA attorney can explain your options, including demanding a revote or seeking compliance with Arizona law.
Final Thoughts
HOA voting in Arizona is not just a formality. It shapes the financial and daily life of your community. By understanding the process, knowing your rights to records, and taking advantage of electronic voting options, you can make sure your participation counts.