GRF directors. There is a ….

GRF directors. There is a space on most mutual ballots for write-in candidates. However, for the vote to be properly cast for the write-in candidate, that candidate must be nominated at the annual meeting (called “nominated from the floor”) and must be present to accept the nomination.

My mail is forwarded to a post office box or an address outside the community. Will my ballot be forwarded to me?

No. As the voting rights are tied to the unit, ballots are all mailed to the units. However, a replacement ballot can be mailed to the address of the shareholder’s choice.

For more information, call HOA Elections of California at 951-667-7191 or email info@hoaelections.com or go to https://hoaelections.net/needa- replacement-ballot to request a replacement ballot.

The candidates on my ballot are running unopposed; why should I vote?

Every vote counts and everyone’s participation in the election process is critical for the operation of this community. Additionally, the return of a properly cast ballot ensures that a Mutual will obtain necessary number of votes to produce the annual meeting and counting of ballots.

I don’t know the candidates running for my mutual’s board of directors; why should I vote?

Read the candidate Statement of Qualifications (often referred to as a resume or biography) included with the ballot for information. Ask candidates questions on important topics. Attend meet-the-candidates events, and ask friends and neighbors for their opinion.

If shareholders decide not to cast their votes for any of the mutual candidates, they are still strongly encouraged to vote by checking the box labeled “abstain from voting—ballot counted for quorum only” portion of the ballot. This lets them participate in the election process by returning a properly cast ballot.

I’ve heard a quorum is necessary before the ballots can be counted. What is a quorum?

A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present to make mutual annual meeting proceedings valid. In the case of elections, the participation in the voting process, i.e. a properly cast ballot, counts as shareholder’s attendance. A quorum of at least one-third (1/3) for some Mutuals and half plus one for some of the mutual corporation membership is required before the mutual ballots can be counted.

I lost my ballot OR can’t remember if I mailed my ballot. What do I do?

Call HOA Elections of California at 951-667-7191 or email info@hoaelections.com or go to https://hoaelections.net/needa- replacement-ballot to request a replacement ballot.

Where do I mail the ballot? Shareholders can mail the ballot to the Inspector of Elections, HOA Elections of California., Inc, 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste C496, San Clemente, CA 92673. Drop the ballot in a US mailbox as soon as possible. The ballot must be received before 5 p.m. on the business day before the annual meeting.

Members can also utilize the on-site ballot box in front of the Administration Building at least one hour before their Mutual’s annual meeting begins, or hand-deliver their ballot to Clubhouse 4 on the day of the annual meeting. See instructions on your ballot for further information, and don’t forget to sign the outside return envelope.

I still have questions about annual meetings and elections. Who can help me?

Contact Senior Portfolio Specialist Ripa Barua at ripab@lwsb.com for Mutual Election assistance, or Jenna Dever at jennad@lwsb.com for GRF election assistance.