Amending Association Bylaws
The digital change takes place in institutions worldwide and members of associations are adjusting their daily lives to the new digital innovations of the 21st century. Have a look at our blog 'digital life'!
Therefore, changes have to be made! Amending the bylaws usually takes place at the Annual General Meeting of an association. Members and board of directors can bring resolutions to amend the bylaws forward, which are then voted on. There is a certain percentage set in the bylaws of how many members have to vote in favour of the amendment. If the turnout is low, make sure that the future election period and election place are well-known by the members.
Amending the Bylaws to Conduct Online Elections
Online voting and online general meetings in associations are legally possible in the UK. The individual associations decide in their bylaws if the electronic voting option and online general meetings are allowed.
In order for your virtual general meeting to have a quorum, you should let your members vote online. Conduct online elections in addition to voting on the AGM or as an alternative to postal vote.
Request a legally non-binding quote for an online election!
Start now >Examples for Amending the Bylaws*
If you want to develop the digital future with your association, take the first step by voting online. This way your members can take actively and online part in your association.
If your bylaws have not yet included electronic means for voting, here are a few bylaws examples for you:
§ Election of the board of directors
The board of directors is elected through postal vote or a similar secure electronic voting option for a two-year term.
§ General meeting
Every member has one vote in the general meeting. Absent members can cast their vote via postal vote or a similar secure electronic voting option.
§ Delegates meeting
Every delegate has one vote at the delegates meeting. Absent delegates can cast their vote via postal voter or a similar secure electronic voting option.
The bylaws or the election code should also include a section about the conditions and process of electronic voting.
*The presented examples on this website how to amend the bylaws are carefully written examples. The use is not obligatory and no claim of completeness by POLYAS.
POLYAS Tip: Our online voting experts can support you in amending your bylaws and/or election code to make online elections possible in your association. Contact our online voting experts now!
Effectiveness of Amending the Bylaws
Adding online voting and polling to the bylaws or election code is a legal precondition for members being able to exercise their voting rights online. Generally, an alteration or amendment to the bylaws or election code, which allows online voting, is sufficient.
Put the topic ‘online elections’ on the agenda for your next general meeting. It is best to inform your members beforehand about the advantages of online voting in associations. POLYAS gladly compiles information about online voting for your members.