Elections are the backbone of trust and participation in any community. In recent years, public attention on election integrity and accessibility has intensified, sparking broader conversations about how voting systems can adapt to modern expectations of fairness, convenience, and transparency. Homeowner and condominium associations have also felt these shifts.
As technology reshapes how people communicate and collaborate—and as the pandemic accelerated many associations’ shift to virtual operations—e-voting has gained momentum as a logical evolution, promising to make community association governance more accessible, efficient, and transparent.
E-voting in HOAs and COAs refers to the use of secure digital platforms that allow members to cast ballots electronically—through a web portal, mobile app, or authenticated email. Unlike informal online polls or virtual meeting votes, e-voting systems are designed to follow safeguards similar to traditional elections.
While some may assume e-voting is simply “voting by email,” modern solutions use encryption, authentication, and digital audit trails to protect voter privacy and election integrity. For many communities, this approach brings a host of tangible advantages:
As e-voting becomes more common, boards and managers are exploring how to implement it responsibly. That starts with understanding electronic voting laws and requirements, which vary widely by location.
The legality and logistics of e-voting still vary significantly from state to state — and even from one community to the next. Boards must navigate these nuances carefully, especially because election and governance disputes are a frequent source of legal risk for associations.
According to the Community Associations Institute (CAI), 32 states allow (or don’t explicitly forbid) e-voting in managed communities. And more states appear to be warming up to it. In 2025, for example, California joined several states in formally authorizing electronic secret-ballot voting for homeowner associations. Florida broadened its statutes to provide clearer paths for internet-based and email ballots in community associations.
Explore the CAI’s Electronic Voting and Virtual Meeting site for state-by-state information, or consult your association’s bylaws.
While the specifics of e-voting laws can vary by state or association, there are some universal guidelines every community should keep in mind when adopting digital election systems:
Remember: When it comes to e-voting, doing it right matters more than doing it fast. Always consult your association’s legal counsel before adopting or implementing new voting procedures.
Once an association decides to modernize its election process, selecting the right platform becomes critical. The technology you choose should simplify voting while ensuring compliance, security, and trust at every step.
When evaluating e-voting tools, look for features that:
Choosing an e-voting platform that meets compliance, security, and accessibility standards is essential. CINC Connect delivers. At CINC Systems, we’ve designed our technology with community associations in mind, ensuring every feature aligns with the legal, operational, and trust-based needs of modern governance.
Built with compliance, security, and collaboration at its core, CINC Connect seamlessly integrates e-voting capabilities alongside tools for communication, amenity management, and digital engagement. Whether your community is adapting to new state e-voting rules or simply looking for a better way to keep residents involved, CINC Connect offers a compliance-first foundation ready for the future of community living.
Ready to see what’s next? Schedule a demo to learn how CINC Connect can help your communities modernize with confidence!