Should I separate the voting ….
Should I separate the voting portion of the ballot before mailing it in the envelope provided?
No, return the full legal-sized ballot in the envelopes provided.
Has my ballot been mailed?
Check the election schedule (page 26) to see when the mutual
ballots were mailed. The GRF ballots will be mailed May 5.
There are three people who live in my unit; do we each receive a ballot?
One ballot is mailed to each unit on file. Per Mutual bylaws, if there are multiple owners of one membership (unit) in the corporation, despite the multiplicity of owners, they shall jointly have only one vote.
Can I use a proxy or designate someone to vote on my behalf?
Proxies are not permissible in GRF elections, but depending on your Mutual’s policy, proxies may be used in Mutual elections. To ensure the ballot’s integrity, ballot envelopes must be signed by the shareholder member connected to that household.
Are write-in candidates permitted?
Foundation bylaws do not permit write-in candidates for GRF directors. There is a space on most Mutual ballots for write-in candidates. However, for the vote to be properly cast for the write-in candidate, that candidate must be nominated at the annual meeting (called “nominated from the floor”) and must be present to accept the nomination.
My mail is forwarded to a post office box or an address outside the community. Will my ballot be forwarded to me?
No. As the voting rights are tied to the unit, ballots are all mailed to the units. A replacement ballot can be mailed to you at the address of your choice. Call Accurate Voting Services at (833) 861-6352 to request a replacement ballot.
The candidates on my ballot are running unopposed; why should I vote?
Your participation in the election process is critical for the operation of this community. Additionally, the return of your properly cast ballot ensures that your Mutual will obtain the necessary number of votes to produce the annual meeting and counting of ballots.
I don’t know the candidates running for my Mutual’s board of directors; why should I vote?
Read the candidate Statement of Qualifications included with the ballot for information. Ask candidates questions on topics that are important to you. VOTING, page 26 Attend meet-the-candidates events. You still strongly encouraged to vote. By checking the box labeled “abstain from voting— ballot counted for quorum only” portion of the ballot lets you participate in the election process by returning a properly cast ballot.
I’ve heard a quorum is necessary before the ballots can be counted. What is a quorum?
A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present to make Mutual annual meeting proceedings valid. A quorum of at least onethird for some Mutuals, plus one for some of the Mutual corporation membership is required before the Mutual ballots can be counted.
I lost my ballot or can’t remember if I mailed my ballot.
What do I do?
Call Accurate Voting Services at (833) 861-6352 to have a replacement ballot mailed to you or to confirm your ballot was received.
Where do I mail the ballot?
The yellow and blue mailing envelopes are postage-paid and pre-addressed to the Inspector of Elections, Accurate Voting Services Inc., P.O. Box 6117, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-6117. Drop the ballot in a U.S. mailbox as soon as possible. Your ballot must be received before noon on the business day BEFORE the annual meeting. You may also hand deliver your ballot to Clubhouse 4 on the day of the annual meeting. See instructions on your ballot for further information. Don’t forget to sign the outside return envelope.
I still have questions about annual meetings and elections. Who can help me?
Contact Rosie Estrada, Stock Transfer Assistant Manager, at (562) 431-6586, ext. 346, or Ripa Barua, Election Specialist, at ripab@lwsb.com for assistance.
