QUESTION: Are volunteers allowed to run for the 2017 board of directors if they “quit” by not attending 75% of the 2016 meetings? Also, we have trouble getting volunteers because most members don’t want to be on the board, yet complain endlessly.
ANSWER: Complaining endlessly seems to be part of the human condition. Finding volunteers is also problematic and Sacramento makes it a little harder each year with excessive regulation.
Bylaws. Unless your bylaws have a provision disqualifying someone who was elected but refused to serve, your quitter can run, get elected, and refuse to serve endlessly. At some point, the membership will catch on and vote for someone else (assuming you can find someone else).
Amendments. In the meantime, your association should amend its bylaws to add director qualifications, eliminate cumulative voting, add election by acclamation, and eliminate quorum requirements for the election of directors. It will make your elections easier and help filter out problem members from getting on your boards.
RECOMMENDATION: If you can’t find anyone to run for the board, announce that you are raising dues by 20% and imposing a 5% special assessment.
