The past year has taught us all quite a bit about navigating a public health crisis. But for voting associations, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for a flexible voting management system that you can rely on even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Elections are often the culmination of extensive preparations and months of hard work to ensure voters have only a few steps to follow once voting commences. 

Associations hold annual elections to decide key positions and matters that are important to members. While selecting a voting method is of utmost importance, it’s also crucial that associations provide members with a seamless election experience. Beyond upholding democratizing ideals, elections help instill trust in a voter’s institution and the greater community it serves. 

Running a national association election electronically might sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Many national associations turn to online voting, which can be a more cost-effective option as opposed to other methods, while still supplying security within your member-based organization election. 

For member-based organizations with consistently low voter turnout, a well-conceived promotional strategy is an answer to more engagement. Not only do promotion tactics increase voter participation, but they also boost transparency. It ensures all members are aware of the election process, how they can run for office, who the candidates are, and the date of the contest. 

Technology has evolved at such a rate over the last decade that it’s difficult to imagine reverting back to old practices. 

Running an election with multiple voting methods can seem overwhelming. However, implementing various forms of voting can increase turnout and satisfaction because members can choose the option best for them, whether it’s traditional paper ballots or voting online.  

The world’s democratic history began with in-person voting, as eligible citizens would meet to exclaim “yay” or “nay” for a candidate. Today, on-site voting continues to thrive in government elections and member-based organization contests.