The primary mission of the Election Task Force (ETF) is to promote a fair, competitive, civil and efficient HOA Board Election. We are pleased to learn that already some homeowners in the community are considering running for election to the Board.
But, this is a good time to remind the community of some of the election rules. Based on community feedback, a number of years ago, ETF set up a special election website on OCA for candidate information. This was done to avoid campaign messages and contentious debate on the OCA forums, which are used for other purposes.
During the 2023 election, the ETF received community feedback that the HOA election process was too long. So, the ETF announced earlier this year that the election would be shortened. This year, self-nominations will open August 19. Earlier in August, the election website will be activated providing all of the election information and requirements candidates must meet to self-nominate.
On the election website, each candidate will be given an individual page for their photograph, their biographical profile, their qualifications, their platform and any other information they wish to post as long as that information does not attack any other individual candidate or group of candidates. We are all neighbors and while the opportunity to contrast one candidate’s positions from another should not be foreclosed, truthful and civil dialogue is paramount.
At the time of the transition from Pulte to self-management, the HOA Board delegated the jurisdiction and authority to the Election Task Force to run the election and enforce the rules. This includes the authority to have Associa remove any resident posts about the election on OCA forums. Once the election begins on August 19, the community will have ample opportunity to question candidates online and in person.
Therefore, any posts on any of the three OCA forums by residents about the election will be removed via the normal HOA process. The ETF, however, will use the OCA General Forum to make election event announcements. You can find all current information including the timeline and planned events on the HOA ELECTION HOME PAGE located on the OCA main menu under Clubs/Group. We will be updating the site regularly, including the 2024 nomination package and opportunities to engage the candidates on their positions, as we get closer to the 2024 election cycle.
Regards,
CA Election Task Force