When most people think of elections, the intense debates, party lines, and media attention of national elections like those in the United States often come to mind. Yet, at a smaller scale, condo elections — where board members are chosen to make crucial decisions for a building or community — follow many similar principles. Whether you’re running for president of a country or president of a condo board, the goal is to represent the interests of your community. Here’s how these two elections compare, and what condo residents and board members can learn from looking at the U.S. election process.
The Importance of Representation
- In U.S. Elections: Presidential candidates represent broad voter bases and appeal to various demographic groups, political ideologies, and regional interests. The goal is to secure the majority of votes to lead the nation, making the process both high-stakes and high-profile.
- In Condo Elections: Board members represent a more localized community. Rather than focusing on party lines, candidates are often residents in the community who have specific ideas on maintenance, budgeting, or neighbourhood values. The stakes are smaller, but representation remains equally important.
Takeaway: Like presidential candidates, condo board members are responsible for understanding the needs and concerns of those they represent, whether it’s about policy on a national scale or building rules within a community.
Campaigning and Platform Development
- In U.S. Elections: Candidates develop platforms that outline their plans and positions on issues like healthcare, economy, and education. Campaigning includes rallies, advertisements, and debates, allowing voters to understand each candidate’s stance.
- In Condo Elections: While much simpler, condo elections also involve platforms — candidates may promise specific initiatives, such as improving amenities, lowering fees, or increasing transparency. Campaigning might take place through community meetings, flyers, or even casual conversations with neighbours.
Takeaway: Condo board candidates can benefit from developing a clear platform that speaks to resident concerns. Like presidential candidates, they should communicate what they plan to achieve in office.
Voting Process and Turnout
- In U.S. Elections: Voting is typically done in person or via mail, with some states offering early voting options. Voter turnout is a critical issue, as not everyone participates in presidential elections, leading to questions of representation and mandate.
- In Condo Elections: Condo voting is often done via electronic voting, proxy or in-person ballots at an annual meeting. Unfortunately, turnout or voting can be low here too, with owners sometimes ignore notices of those meetings and may be unaware of the significance of their vote. This may lead to board members being elected by only a small percentage of owners.
Takeaway: Just as low voter turnout in the U.S. can lead to less representative leadership, the same applies to condo elections. Condo managers and board members should encourage all owners to participate to ensure a board that truly reflects the community.
Term Limits and Accountability
- In U.S. Elections: The U.S. president serves a four-year term, with a two-term limit. This ensures accountability, allowing voters to decide if they want new leadership every few years.
- In Condo Elections: Board members usually serve two- or three-year terms, with the option for re-election. Although there’s typically no limit to how many terms they can serve, accountability remains critical. Owners can vote out board members if they feel their interests aren’t being served.
Takeaway: Condo owners should remember they hold the power to elect — and remove — board members based on their performance, much like national voters can elect new leaders if they’re dissatisfied with the current administration.
Community Impact and Leadership Style
- In U.S. Elections: The elected president shapes policies and sets the tone for the nation’s priorities, affecting areas like healthcare, education, and international relations.
- In Condo Elections: Condo board members impact community life in more localized ways — setting rules on common area use, approving budgets, and managing community amenities. Their leadership style and approach to decision-making can influence the overall satisfaction and quality of life within the condo community.
Takeaway: Condo board members, like U.S. presidents, should approach leadership with a sense of responsibility and transparency. Their decisions have real consequences on residents’ daily lives, just as national policies affect citizens.
While a U.S. presidential election and a condo election may seem worlds apart in scale and scope, both share core democratic principles of representation, accountability, and the importance of voter engagement. Condo owners can learn a lot by looking at the bigger election picture, and board members can use these lessons to foster a more engaged and cohesive community. Whether you’re voting for national policy or the management of your building, participation and informed decision-making are essential.
