Z.C. from San Diego County, California writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
The Board is holding our meeting when they count the votes for our election on Zoom. I have requested it be in person. The answer I got was; “The balloting documents cannot be changed as to where, or how, the Annual meeting is conducted. Because the agenda states the meeting will be held via zoom that is how the meeting is conducted. This is required by law.” Is this accurate? The Board has been accused of voter fraud before and now we don’t get to be there in person? Thanks so much!
Mister Condo replies:
Z.C., better the vote be counted with onlookers via Zoom than no onlookers at all! COVID has caused many condominium associations to alter how they hold their meetings. If a rule or local regulation has been passed that requires meetings and votes to be held via Zoom, then that is the way it will be until that rule or ordinance is changed. Of course, you are wise to request transparency, and in-person vote counting but the Board may not be able to grant the request based on rules at this time. The good news is that we seem to be at the ending stages of the pandemic and rules are loosening around the country. Hopefully, by this time next year, in person meetings will be allowed. All the best!