HOW TO REACH QUORUM THROUGH PROXIES

- by Alana Ashby

Annual and special meetings require homeowner votes for new board members, assessment increases, capital improvement projects, and amendments to the association’s governing documents. The goal is to reach a quorum- a minimum number of members who must be present for business to be validly transacted. Some HOAs struggle to reach a quorum, leading to stalled work, increased expenses, and more.

When homeowners can’t attend a meeting in person, the association should work to garner proxy votes. Proxy is a power of attorney given to another to vote in the member’s stead.

There are 5 different types of proxies:

● General proxy: The holder of the proxy has the discretion to do whatever he or she wishes at the meeting.

● Limited proxy: The holder of the proxy can only vote on certain issues at the meeting.

● Directed proxy: The holder of the proxy can only vote as directed.

● Limited directed proxy: The holder of the proxy can only vote on certain issues as directed.

● Quorum proxy: The proxy only counts for purposes of obtaining a quorum and nothing else.

Proxy forms can be mailed to homeowners to be filled out and then given to the person named as a proxy who will attend in an owner’s place.

Alana Ashby, CMCA, helped to establish and served as a Board Member for Community Associations Institute (CAI) Idaho Chapter. Alana has extensive experience in all aspects of financial management, real estate development and management, as well as negotiation. #HOA #HOAManagement #HOABoard #HOAMember #HOAEducation #HomeownerEducation