HOA Board Election Guide

Ballot secrecy, who can count votes, proxy and absentee voting, chain of custody, and recount or contest rights — the complete procedural reference for a self-managed volunteer board, with a state-by-state lookup covering all 50 states.

In short: HOAs across the U.S.

HOA board elections follow state law and your bylaws. States set different rules on who can run, how owners are notified, whether proxies, absentee, or electronic ballots are allowed, and how votes are counted, and some require secret ballots or an independent inspector of elections. Board terms and recall procedures differ too. Pick your state to see the election rules your association has to follow.

Choose your state to see its election rules, including condominium rules where we've researched them.

Election rules depend on your state

Whether ballots must be secret, who may count them, how proxy and absentee voting work, and how a result can be challenged differ from state to state, and in many states no statute addresses them at all.

We've researched each state's rules and linked the sources. Choose your state to read the guide with the rules that actually apply to your association.

HOA election rules by state

This guide is general information about how HOAs typically operate and is not legal advice. Consult your governing documents and, where needed, a qualified attorney.

Self-Managed HOA Guide
Chapter 1
Board Roles & Responsibilities
Chapter 2
Board Elections
Chapter 3
Meetings & Quorum
Chapter 4
Governing Documents Explained
Chapter 5
Violations & Enforcement
Chapter 6
Fine Limits by State
Chapter 7
Communicating with Homeowners
Chapter 8
Finances, Dues & Reserves
Chapter 9
Common Disputes & How to Avoid Them
Chapter 10
Insurance Basics
Chapter 11
Signs It's Time to Hire a Management Company