HOA board elections can become a significant source of disagreement within a community, making the procedures surrounding nominations, notices and voting particularly important.
Beginning January 1, 2027, California homeowners’ associations will have updated election requirements to follow under Assembly Bill 1892 (AB 1892), which was signed into law on August 31, 2026.
Understanding the new timelines can help HOA boards avoid unnecessary procedural disputes.
Changes to Elections by Acclamation in California
California law allows a homeowners’ association, under certain circumstances, to declare qualified candidates elected without conducting a balloted electionwhen the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open board seats. This process is known as election by acclamation,and associations must satisfy specific statutory requirements before using it.
Associations using this process must provide members with notices about the election and nomination process. AB 1892 significantly shortens the timeline for those notices.
Previously, the initial notice was required at least 90 days before the deadline for submitting nominations. Beginning in 2027, associations must provide the initial notice at least 30 days before the nomination deadline.
The required reminder notice is also changing. Instead of being provided between seven and 30 days before the nomination deadline, it must be provided at least 10 days before the deadline.
The shorter timeline does not eliminate the other requirements an association must satisfy before directors can be seated without balloting.
Changes to Electronic Voting Notices
AB 1892 also changes notice requirements for associations that use electronic secret ballots.
Associations that have adopted electronic voting procedures must provide information about the electronic ballot and instructions for accessing the voting system. AB 1892 changes that requirement so the notice must be delivered no later than 30 days before the election and only to members who are voting electronically.
What HOA Boards Should Do Before Their Next Election
Before conducting an election under the new law, boards should review their election rules, nomination calendars, and notice templates to make sure they reflect the updated requirements.
Associations using electronic voting should also review their procedures for identifying electronic voters and providing required notices. Boards working with a management company or inspector of elections should make sure everyone involved is using the same deadlines and procedures.
Election procedures are just one area in which California HOA requirements continue to evolve. Other upcoming changes, including new restrictions on the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf, may also require associations to review existing practices and plan ahead.
Understanding the new election requirementsbefore an election begins can help boards administer elections consistently and reduce the potential for disputes over whether required procedures were followed. An HOA’s general counsel can also help boards navigate questions about governing documents, election procedures and other governance issues.
For guidance on HOA elections, governing documents and other legal issues affecting community associations, contact Windsor PLC.
Frequently Asked Questions About AB 1892 and HOA Elections
When do the new HOA election requirements take effect?
AB 1892 takes effect January 1, 2027.
Can every California HOA elect directors by acclamation?
No. Associations may use election by acclamation only when specific statutory requirements are satisfied, including requirements involving the number of qualified candidates and available board seats.
Does AB 1892 eliminate election notice requirements?
No. The law changes the timing of certain notices for elections by acclamation and changes notice requirements involving electronic voting, but associations must continue to comply with applicable election procedures.
