WHO CAN VOTE?

By Rafael Aquino

Published November 13, 2019  

 

Preparing for an election is a serious business if you want to do it right. Depending on the size of your association, the composition of your owners, things can get complicated when it comes to who has the right to vote per unit. These rights are designated by a voting certificate, which is provided to the association by the owners.

 

A “Voting certificate” means a document that designates one of the record title owners, or the corporate, partnership, or entity representative, who is authorized to vote on behalf of a condominium unit that is owned by more than one owner or by any entity. A voting certificate is not needed if only one person owns the unit. If a Unit is owned by a husband and wife, they shall decide among themselves as to who shall cast the vote of the unit. Only an owner or the appropriate corporate officer can be named on a voting certificate, not a third party. A voting certificate must be signed by all the owners of the unit or the appropriate corporate officer. Whomever, the person who is designated on the voting certificate will receive the right to vote during the elections. A voting certificate is not a proxy and cannot be used as such.

 

How or when do you get a voting certificate? Depending on the attorney you have, some will require the voting certificate to be sent with the First Notice and others will recommend to send it with the Second Notice once you know an election will occur. My opinion would be to send it with the First Notice and if an election will occur, send it with the Second Notice as well so you can capture as many certificates as you can.

 

I’ve seen many votes get tossed (not counted) during an election because the owner (corporation / multiple owners) did not send in a voting certificate. Since they missed this simple step, the members that worked so hard to get the current board off end up losing the election because of it. Don’t let this simple step trip up your elections.
 

I’m curious to hear from our readers… how do you proactively prepare for your elections?

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As the Co-Founder and CEO of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to redefine excellence. They serve community   associations   efficiently

and effectively with dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and excitement when providing expert advice to its board members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running a community association.

 

Since 2007, Rafael has developed a work culture that values responsive and high-quality services. He has led his team by following a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each association. Today, Affinity Management Services maintains its success and benefits as a result of the foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by providing educational seminars, continuing education classes for association managers and board members alike.


Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’ associations save money and improve their communities. His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out for the best interests of his clients and communities, and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role requires coordination and communication, as such he takes logical and intelligent steps to approach challenges head-on.


As a graduate of Florida International University’s electrical engineering program and a licensed community association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip him with unique insights to tackle complex problems through critical thinking. He understands how each component within a system works together in order to effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple challenges of running a community association management company, he understands how each property is its own unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure that all their needs are met.

For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity Management Services please visit www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279

Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST

Suite 200

Doral, FL 33166

Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300

Plantation, FL 33324

O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053

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