These days, many in-person events and general assemblies are either postponed or conducted virtually. Therefore, many member organizations, which rely heavily on member cooperation, are finding new ways to get business done, including conducting a periodic general assembly. As member organizations continue to use virtual conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc., many are adopting virtual meeting tools to make their digital meetings and events feel more inclusive and participatory for shareholders and boards of directors. While many online meeting software packages include survey and polling features, none includes live, real-time voting. So the question is, “How does a member organization accurately and securely collate election results?” The answer is simple: they use online voting.
The Case for Online Voting
Electronic voting is a technology gaining global acceptance, both in the private and public sector. Running an online election is, without a doubt, the right way to go for many organizations that conduct general meetings. Online elections provide a strong sense of security, as votes are remotely and accurately collected during meetings. With online voting systems, organizations can guarantee maximum voter turnout in general assemblies.
Why Organizations Should Invest in an Online Voting System
A general assembly requires all members of the board to be present. Such meetings are embodied by major, impactful decisions, including budget approval, management review, or leadership changes that can determine the economic fortune of the organization. Where certain members are absent, an online voting system can secure the integrity of votes and derive accurate feedback from elections.
Here are some reasons why your organization should procure an online voting system:
- To prove that all votes carry equal weight and to establish fair-play during elections.
- To remove bias and avoid the risk of a vote gone wrong.
- To expand the capacity of a vote beyond physical rooms so it includes virtually-present members.
- To enable a convenient and audited voting process run by vote management experts.
The Benefits of Online Voting for General Assemblies
If your organization is one of the few that still resists implementing online voting, here are five reasons that will change your mind:
Online Voting is Legal and Transparent.
The law highlights online voting as a viable solution for many organizations. Therefore, organizers of assemblies and voting events are mandated to be integral throughout the entire process. Voters can also challenge the validity of an online election and request formal reports of transparency.
Online Voting Requires Less Effort.
A virtual voting system incorporates many features that make polling easier. With a standard online voting website or application, you can easily prepare a census, automate roll calls and emails, and, more importantly, count votes accurately, with no extra staff needed.
Online Voting Improves Voter Experience
If you schedule a meeting during the week, working members of your organization may be unable to attend. If you reschedule for the weekend, you may interfere with their free time. Online voting solves all these problems; voters can vote comfortably from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, a mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
Online Voting Saves Finances
Conducting face-to-face assemblies can accumulate significant costs, including event rooms, catering services, travel expenses, and so on. Using a good online voting system requires less effort and will save you lots of time and money.
Online Voting is Environmentally Sustainable
With online voting, we can eliminate unnecessary trips and consequently reduce CO2 emission. Also, electric voting protects the health of vulnerable members who are allergic to public gatherings.