THE IMPORTANCE OF A QUORUM: VIRTUAL MEETINGS, VOTING, AND A HEALTHY ASSOCIATION

On January 1, 2026, “WUCIOA for All” implemented changes to all community associations which effectively removed the ability of a Board to make decisions via email or less formal processes, meaning the Board must: 1) meet and convene in an open meeting; 2) the meeting must be properly noticed; and 3) cast votes in the properly noticed and open meeting in which a quorum is present.  With this change, Board and Association meetings become even more critical to the ongoing functionality of the Association and, as such, reaching a quorum at every possible meeting is crucial. So how does the Association assure that it can obtain a quorum at all meetings? The answer may lie in the virtual meetings and voting options.

Many Associations allow for virtual or hybrid meeting options for board and/or membership meetings. It is simply another tool that Associations can use to entice attendance at meetings in a landscape in which attendance is critical and reaching a quorum is essential to the Association’s business. And just as the meetings themselves may offer a virtual option, Association members and board members must be allowed to cast votes in the virtual forum.

So, how does one accomplish accurate and proper voting at virtual meetings? The answer to this will vary by Association. However, there are resources that can assist in this task. Electronic voting systems are beginning to pop up for use, whether it is an app or a third-party vendor which can facilitate proper electronic voting. The importance of accurate voting is paramount to the stability of the democracy that is a Community Association. As your Association moves to adopt electronic voting mechanisms, ensure that the Association members and board members are provided with proper ballots, accurate ballot counting, and privacy of the voter.

As we all continue to adjust to the new WUCIOA for All changes, one thing remains certain: members and board members should be attending as many meetings as possible. Make it a habit to attend in person or virtually, as the health of your Association depends on it.