What's This Vote About?

Why are unit owners being asked to approve a change in the by-laws to lower the quorum to 25%?

Society Hill's By-laws currently require that whenever a member vote is required (such as the annual election of trustees or a special meeting), 50% of the eligible voters plus one must cast a vote. That typically means 221 unit owners have to cast a ballot.

What's wrong with that?

• People are busy and for one reason or another not that many cast a ballot.
• In recent years, it's been getting harder to get the required number of responses. This requirement dates back to the mid-eighties.
• That means rescheduling the meeting, and knocking on doors and calling to ask people to vote. That costs the Association money and delays orderly business.
• A 50%-plus-one requirement is higher than is typically required for condominium associations these days, recognizing that people often don't want to vote or are too busy.

Does that mean that the Association will be able to just pick friendly people to vote as long as they get 25%?

• Absolutely not. Every homeowner will always be sent a ballot.
• The greatest number of votes cast will always govern.
• Annual election meetings, and in fact, all regular Board of Trustee meetings are open to homeowners to attend.

Once this change has passed, does that mean I have to cast a vote in favor of a question or candidate?

• No, you can even cast a blank or negative ballot if you want to, but we will need to receive at least 25% participating.
• Do note that for this by-law amendment to pass, we will need 75% of the unit owners to vote in favor. 75% is required to make a by-law change (even that's quite high by current standards).

Is this change legal?

• Yes, it was drafted by the Association attorney, and is consistent with state law and common practice.

Are our Trustees paid?

• Not a penny! They serve long hours, and the current requirement to obtain 50%-plus-one response is an added burden on them and staff.

I lost my ballot. What do I do?

• If you haven't cast a ballot, call the office at 609 896-9346 and ask for another one.

Your Board of Trustees recommends that you vote FOR this amendment.