Election Reform for the PVHA

About Our Amendment

We believe it is important to have a PVHA board that is elected by and accountable to the members. We also believe it is wrong for a board of directors to appoint themselves. Therefore we propose that the PVHA bylaws be updated to include a provision that if an election fails to achieve the quorum of voters required by the bylaws(50%+1) then the ballots received should be tallied and those candidates who received the most votes be allowed to serve on an appointed basis until the next election. In an effort to safeguard against radical change, we do not propose any changes to the quorum itself.

We want to end the practice of a small minority of never elected board members ignoring ballots cast and appointing themselves winners. You can read the amendment in full here.

Key Points

Q: Why is this amendment needed?
A: We think it is important to have have an elected board, something the PVHA has lacked for 14 years and counting. As a result of the PVHA not attaining a quorum the existing board has reappointed itself year after year which many members find objectionable. The amendment is a solution to this problem.

Q:How will the amendment be adopted.
A: Article XXII of the PVHA bylaws states that amendments shall be adopted by written assent (petition) of 2/3's of the PVHA building sites. The PVHA has 5,420 properties so 3,613 signatures are needed for the amendment to pass.

Q:Won't this open the PVHA up to radical change?
A: No. Even if the amendment is adopted any directors who are appointed based on the results of an election lacking a quorum will only serve until the next election. These are the same rules that currently exist today. The only change being made is that those being appointed will be chosen by the members who vote in elections. Members who vote getting to choose their leaders is not radical change. The PVHA's own lawyer is in favor of this practice (see their website here bottom 2 paragraphs).

Q:What about the 50%+1 quorum?
A: Our amendment makes no changes to the quorum itself. Some have noted that the founders adopted the quorum to promote stability. We respect this viewpoint and propose no changes to the quorum.

Q: Could the PVHA choose to count the ballots received in an election and appoint those who received the most votes? Is the amendment even needed?
A: Yes. the PVHA board could count the election ballots received and appoint those who receive the most votes. Many have made this suggestion but the board has not done this and instead has chosen to appoint themselves winners year after year. This is why the amendment is needed.

Q:Ok. The amendment sounds reasonable. How do I sign?
A: We will be proactively reaching out to as many members as possible. If you haven't heard for us and want to sight please email us at info@reformthepvha.com.

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