2025 Election FAQs & Information

Protect your home.  Protect your vote.   Protect West Ridge Mews.

What is a quorum?

A quorum for Unit Owner meetings requires the presence, in person or by proxy, of Unit Owners representing at least 51% of the Common Element ownership.   This is defined by our By-Laws Article III "Meetings of Unit Owners"  Section 6 (pg.66).  

Is quorum required for the Board of Directors to get elected?

Yes.  To elect the new Board Director(s), a quorum is required. This is mandated by By-Laws Article IV, Section 3 (page 71), which states that current Board members remain in office until their replacements are elected by the Unit Owners.


What is the quorum is not reached on April 8, 2025 Special Meeting?

If the initial election meeting lacks a quorum, the Association must notify unit owners and follow the adjournment procedures outlined in West Ridge Mews By-Laws, Article III, Section 10 (pg.67) . 

Meetings should continue until a quorum is present. As the current Board, Management Company, and Association council have not confirmed residents' voting rights in this scenario, it's crucial to ensure your vote is protected.

Can I vote?

If you own the unit and you've paid your association fees, you are in "good standing" and can vote. If you can't vote, you should have been by told by Association why before March 9th, and you still have time to fix by either:


If the language in the official notice sent is confusing, remember the rules are also explained clearly in the State's Department of Community Affairs guidelines for elections.

I. Eligibility to Participate in Elections

a. Who May Vote and Run for Office

i. Unless the governing documents expressly state otherwise, only owners of record in good standing and residents holding valid proxies or powers of attorney of such owners of record may vote and run for office.

ii. An owner of record at the time of an election who has fully paid all assessments charged by an association shall be deemed to be in good standing and be eligible to vote, be elected to, and serve on the governing board, including an owner who is in full compliance with a settlement agreement or has a pending, unresolved dispute concerning the charges assessed which has been brought in good faith to the attention of the association by way of initiating an ADR proceeding or pertinent court action.

iii. No rule violation other than failure to pay a valid and undisputed assessment shall be grounds for preventing an otherwise eligible person from voting or seeking election.

Why do I need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID to vote?

I believe the photo ID requirement for Association elections is a discriminatory practice. It negatively impacts multiple groups: lower-income and minority unit owners, older adults without driver's licenses, those with recent name changes, or those not in possession of a passport. This is a form of voter suppression, and it contradicts established voting rights practices in New Jersey.  

What is a Proxy and how do I use it?

If you can't attend the election, you can use a proxy to give your voting rights to a "proxy holder." The proxy ballot was missing from the February 28, 2025 election packet, and this irregularity was corrected in March 6 election packet. If you're using a proxy for the Special Meeting, your completed ballot must be received by 2:00 PM on April 8.   If you are mailing your proxy, consider tracking it for guaranteed delivery.     Even if a meeting is adjourned due to lack of a quorum, your proxy's 11-month lifespan guarantees your vote remains represented.

You don't have to use a proxy, and you can cancel it before the vote. Notice states that a valid form of government issued photo identification is required for your proxy to participate in the election.

You must follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your Proxy can be counted: the notice requires that you use a double-envelope system.  It is my hope that this requirement was an unintentional error, as the form is signed by the unit owner: confidentiality is to the proxy vote itself. 

 

Click here to view/download a copy of the April 8th Proxy Form.  

Please contact me if your need a printed copy of the form.

What is an Absentee Ballot and how do I use it?

Absentee ballots let you vote without attending the meeting.  You must follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your Absentee Ballot can be counted: the notice requires that you use a double-envelope system.

If you're mailing your ballot, consider tracking it for guaranteed delivery.  

Click here for a ballot copy. 

Contact me if you need printed copies or envelopes.


How do I vote in person?

SPECIAL MEETING TO ELECT DIRECTORS

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:00PM  -  10:00PM
Wood-Ridge Senior Center
495 Highland Avenue


The requirement to bring a valid form of government issued photo identification to confirm your identity is in effect.   Your vote is anonymous. If you previously sent in an Absentee Ballot or a Proxy form, they may be revoked and you may cast a ballot at the meeting.  

Please click here to view a copy a copy of the sample ballot or contact me if you need a print-out.

Review the March 6 election packet, re-sent to you, and please reach out to the Association or me for any inquiries, additional information, or needed materials.