Voting Resources to Support your Community Association

The Foundation for Community Association Research’s 2022 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey reports that 70.67% of Americans living in community associations always or almost always vote in elections. Getting to the polls is incredibly important to ensure association values are upheld in legislation. CAI encourages all of its advocates to get out and vote for candidates that support the community association housing model.

Historically, midterm elections follow a few trends:

1. Low Voter Turnout
   Statistically, according to the US Census, nearly two-thirds of registered voters vote in presidential elections but less than half vote in midterms. However, over 70% of association residents plan to vote in the November general election making our advocates one of the top groups for voter efficacy in the U.S.
2. The Economic Effect
   Historically, the top issue for voters in midterm elections is the economy. For the first time since 2016, a new Gallup poll reports that more than half of all Americans say the economy is the top issue on their minds. For advocates of the community association housing model, the top issues are more widespread: economic issues and taxation top the list, along with community association values, building safety and regulating association boards. Check out our list of advocacy priorities here.
3. Winners Keep on Winning
   Incumbents are more likely to keep their seats. An average of 90% of incumbents wins re-election. Due to the phenomenon of incumbency advantage, many voters, especially those who vote without doing research, favor sitting legislators. While community associations housing model advocates say they feel prepared to vote, CAI makes it easy to ensure you’re prepared for the polls and ready to #VoteforHome with our Voter Resources Center!

Is 2022 the same as years past? Not only is this election unique due to current events and issues impacting our daily lives but also because of changes to the election process. A few of the highlights:

1. Alaska’s First Ranked-Choice Vote
   There are 68,000 Alaskans living in nearly 1,000 community associations in the state and 64% say they always vote in national elections. The August 16 primary is the first ranked-choice election in the state’s history. Ranked-choice elections are different than what most Americans are used to. Instead of choosing one candidate per office, voters rank their choices in order of favorability. Adding to the unique election, Alaska has a nonpartisan ballot, meaning all candidates, regardless of party affiliation are listed on the same ballot. This means voters have 19 options for senator and 22 options for representative. The complicated ballot means it’ll likely take longer to declare a winner than usual, and some predict more ballots might be invalidated due to the confusion. We recommend looking at your sample ballot before heading to the polls to make sure you’re prepared. You can see a sample ballot by checking out our Voter Resources Center.
2. Redistricting
   After the 2020 census, this is the first round of elections with new voting districts. Fourteen states are in litigation over the proposed maps, but as it stands each state has some new districts to vote in. If you aren’t sure if your district has changed or if you have any other concerns about your upcoming vote, you can get answers to all of your questions at our Voter Resources Center.
3. New Voting Methods
   In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states changed rules for voting absentee, voting by mail, and early-voting options. Because a large percentage of Americans plan to vote in a non-traditional manner, states now take longer to tally votes. Community associations in 27 states have incorporated modern voting practices, which makes association residents more prepared to vote in a non-traditional manner.

Voting can be confusing, but CAI has a unique resource: the CAI Voter Resources Center. To see all things related to your voter registration, precinct, register to vote absentee or any other question, the CAI Voter Resources Center has your answer. Enter your primary address to see your candidates, primary date, and state-specific election information. Not registered to vote or need to check? Use this Voter Registration Tool to see more information and double check your registration status.

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