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Every member has one vote, and this year, we are adding a more convenient way to cast that vote. You will now have the option to vote via paper ballot or electronic ballot.
WHAT IS HYBRID VOTING?
Hybrid voting is an election where members cast their ballot either in person at the annual meeting, on paper through the mail, or online. We know that some members prefer paper balloting and dropping the envelope back in the mail, but we also understand that the convenience of voting online may work better for other members who tend to do more business through mobile phones and email. This new system of casting votes is simple and secure.
THE BENEFITS OF HYBRID VOTING SYSTEMS
Hybrid voting combines the best of paper and digital options. Here are a few benefits this new system will bring to FreeState:
*CONVENIENCE: hybrid voting makes voting more convenient for all members, especially those who are not able to make it to the annual meeting, those who forget to vote, or those who may misplace paper ballots in the mail.
*COST REDUCTION: hybrid voting reduces the overall election costs by reducing the number of paper ballots needed. This is a measure that saves money on printing and postage.
*IMMEDIACY: online voting technology, such as an email invite with a unique authentication link, allows each member to cast their votes immediately.
*MAKES EVERY VOTE COUNT: every voice and vote counts, and FreeState wants to make it easy for all members to cast their votes.
*OUTREACH: hybrid elections provide another tool to engage members in the process.
*SECURITY: FreeState’s trusted election partner, Survey and Ballot Systems, provides the highest level of online encryption technology. FreeState’s election website is a secure environment that is only accessible to one authorized staff member to prevent any unauthorized access.
The trustees have carefully considered the addition of electronic voting and are excited at the prospect of bringing in another way to engage with members throughout this important process. Keep in mind that in-person and/or mail-in voting is available, as it always has been.
We are providing this option to make the voting process more convenient and provide an in-between solution that will appeal to more member's preferences.