CMCA - Certified Manager of Community Associations Meetings, Elections, and Voting Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the primary role of an inspector of elections?

Answer: To impartially oversee ballot distribution, receipt, and counting

An independent inspector helps ensure the election is fair and the results are credible.

Under cumulative voting, how may a member cast votes?

Answer: Votes equal to shares times open seats, which may all go to one candidate

Cumulative voting lets a member concentrate all their votes on one or a few candidates, which helps minority interests.

What is the main purpose of using secret ballots in association elections?

Answer: To let members vote without fear of pressure or retaliation

Secret ballots protect member privacy and encourage honest voting.

Why do many associations use staggered terms for board directors?

Answer: To provide continuity of knowledge on the board

With staggered terms only part of the board turns over at a time, so experience is retained.

A member wishes to nominate a candidate from the floor at the annual meeting. What should the manager confirm first?

Answer: Whether the governing documents and election rules permit floor nominations

Nomination procedures, including floor nominations, are controlled by the bylaws and any adopted election rules.

An election for a board seat ends in a tie. What should be consulted first to resolve it?

Answer: The governing documents and state law

Tie-breaking methods such as a runoff or drawing lots vary, so the governing documents and statute control.

What is the typical purpose of a nominating committee?

Answer: To recruit qualified candidates for the board

A nominating committee seeks out and presents willing, qualified candidates to encourage participation.