{"id":13340,"date":"2026-11-09T06:41:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T13:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/electionchamp.com\/blog\/?p=13340"},"modified":"2026-10-14T07:23:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T13:23:21","slug":"davis-stirling-election-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/electionchamp.com\/blog\/davis-stirling-election-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Davis-Stirling Election Timeline: California HOA Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> The Davis-Stirling election timeline runs backward from your voting deadline. Election rules must be settled at least 90 days before the election. Give notice of the nomination procedure at least 30 days before nominations close. Send the candidate and ballot notice at least 30 days before ballots go out. Mail ballots at least 30 days before the voting deadline. Count in public, then notify owners of results within 15 days.<\/p>\n

The rules live in Civil Code sections 5100 to 5145. They apply to secret ballot votes on director elections and removals, assessments that legally require a vote, governing document amendments, and grants of exclusive use of common area (Civil Code 5100<\/a>). Confirm every step with your governing documents and counsel.<\/p>\n

Davis-Stirling Election Timeline at a Glance<\/h2>\n

Each deadline is a minimum. Add days for printing and mail.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Step<\/th>\nLatest timing<\/th>\nCivil Code<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
General notice of a proposed election rule change<\/td>\nAt least 28 days before the board adopts it<\/td>\n4360(a)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Election operating rules final (no amendments after this)<\/td>\n90 days before the election<\/td>\n5105(h)(4)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Notice of the electronic voting opt-out deadline (if you use electronic ballots)<\/td>\nAt least 30 days before the opt-out deadline<\/td>\n5105(i)(4)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Last day for a member to switch between electronic and paper ballot<\/td>\nNo later than 90 days before the election<\/td>\n5105(i)(1)(A)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General notice of the nomination procedure and deadline<\/td>\nAt least 30 days before nominations close<\/td>\n5115(a)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nominations close<\/td>\nSet by your rules; must close before the candidate list goes out<\/td>\n5105(a)(3), 5115(b)(4)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voter and candidate lists open for member review<\/td>\nAt least 30 days before ballots are distributed<\/td>\n5105(a)(7)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General notice of the ballot deadline, return address, meeting, and candidate list<\/td>\nAt least 30 days before ballots are distributed<\/td>\n5115(b)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ballots, two envelopes, and election rules delivered; electronic ballot notice sent<\/td>\nAt least 30 days before the voting deadline<\/td>\n5115(c), 5105(h)(4), 5105(i)(3)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voting deadline and public count<\/td>\nElection day, at a properly noticed open meeting<\/td>\n5120(a)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General notice of tabulated results<\/td>\nWithin 15 days of the election<\/td>\n5120(b)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Reconvened meeting if a required quorum was missed<\/td>\nAt least 20 days after the adjourned meeting<\/td>\n5115(d)(2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Inspector keeps custody of ballots and lists<\/td>\nUntil the one-year challenge period ends<\/td>\n5125, 5145(a)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

The 30-day rules stack: ballots 30 days before the deadline, the candidate notice 30 days before ballots, and the nomination notice 30 days before nominations close. So the nomination notice goes out at least 90 days ahead.<\/p>\n

Sample Calendar for a June 17, 2027 Election<\/h3>\n

A board election with electronic voting, a paper opt-out, and a buffer past each minimum:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Date<\/th>\nStep<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Mon, Jan 11, 2027<\/td>\nNotice of proposed election rule changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thu, Feb 11, 2027<\/td>\nBoard adopts election rules at an open meeting<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fri, Feb 12, 2027<\/td>\nAdopted rules notice; opt-out notice to each member<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mon, Mar 1, 2027<\/td>\nNotice of nomination procedure and deadline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fri, Mar 19, 2027<\/td>\nOpt-out deadline (90 days before the election)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thu, Apr 1, 2027<\/td>\nNominations close<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fri, Apr 9, 2027<\/td>\nCandidate and ballot notice; voter and candidate lists open for review<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fri, May 14, 2027<\/td>\nPaper ballots mailed; electronic ballot notice sent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thu, Jun 17, 2027<\/td>\nVoting deadline; inspector counts in public<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fri, Jul 2, 2027<\/td>\nLast day for general notice of results<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

For the tasks around these dates, see how to run an HOA board election from start to finish<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Davis-Stirling Election Rules Under Civil Code 5105<\/h2>\n

Every association must adopt election operating rules (Civil Code 5105<\/a>). Under 5105(a), the rules must:<\/p>\n