Category: Voting System

Online voting for unions extends well beyond officer elections. Throughout the year, unions conduct a wide variety of elections and member votes, including leadership elections, representative and committee elections, ratification votes, strike authorization votes, constitutional amendments, member consultations, and many other important member decisions.

While each of these voting events serves a different purpose, they do not require different tools. A single online voting system can support them all.

Officer and Leadership Elections

Officer elections are among the most familiar union voting events. Members may vote for presidents, vice-presidents, secretaries, treasurers, trustees, executive board members, directors, or other executive leadership positions.

Because these elections determine who will represent members and help guide the organization, they require a voting process that is confidential, reliable, and easy for eligible members to access. Online voting provides members with a convenient way to participate while giving organizers an efficient way to administer the election.

Depending on the election, members may also be provided with candidate biographies, statements, photographs, or links to additional campaign information directly within the online ballot. Making this information available on the online voting ballot helps members make informed voting decisions without needing to search for information elsewhere.

Representative and Committee Elections

Beyond executive leadership, unions frequently elect representatives for specific roles or responsibilities.

Depending on the organization, this may include bargaining committee members, convention delegates, shop stewards, workplace representatives, health and safety representatives, or members of various committees. These elections allow members to choose the individuals who will represent their interests within specific workplaces, bargaining units, or organizational functions.

In many unions, these positions are elected alongside organization-wide offices within the same election. A flexible online voting system should make it easy to present each member with only the ballot items they are eligible to vote on, allowing organization-wide and local or bargaining unit-specific elections to be managed together without creating unnecessary administrative complexity.

Ratification Votes

Once a tentative agreement has been reached, union members are often asked to vote on whether to accept the proposed collective agreement.

Because these votes are frequently time-sensitive and may involve members working across multiple locations, shifts, or schedules, online voting makes it easier for eligible members to participate while allowing organizers to monitor turnout and send reminders before voting closes.

Members often want an opportunity to review the proposed agreement before voting. A capable online voting system should make it easy to include links to the tentative agreement, summaries of proposed changes, or other supporting documents directly from the online voting ballot.

Strike Authorization Votes

In some circumstances, unions may ask members to vote on strike authorization or other forms of job action.

Strike authorization votes often need to be conducted within compressed timelines and may involve members working different shifts, at multiple worksites, or across large geographic areas. Making participation convenient helps ensure eligible members have the opportunity to cast their ballot before online voting closes.

Constitutional and Bylaw Amendments

Unions periodically review and update their constitutions, bylaws, policies, or other governing documents.

These elections may involve one proposed amendment or dozens of separate questions. An online voting platform should allow each amendment to appear as its own ballot question, complete with explanatory text or links to supporting documentation where appropriate. This makes it easier for members to understand exactly what they are voting on before casting their online voting ballot.

Member Consultations and Surveys

Not every union election is about electing someone or approving a collective agreement.

Unions may also want to gather member input on bargaining priorities, policy questions, strategic planning, or other important issues. In many cases, these consultations benefit from the same security, voter authentication, and reporting capabilities used for formal elections.

Because an online voting platform is purpose-built for secure member voting, unions can conduct these consultations with confidence that only eligible members are participating while maintaining a consistent experience for organizers and members alike. Rather than introducing a separate survey platform, organizations can often use the same trusted online voting system they already rely on for elections and other voting events.

One Platform, Many Types of Union Elections

For many unions, online voting becomes even more valuable when it is viewed as a year-round governance tool.

The same online voting system can support officer and leadership elections, representative and committee elections, ratification votes, strike authorization votes, constitutional and bylaw amendments, member consultations, and elections that include different ballot content for different groups of members.

Using one trusted platform across this variety of union elections provides members with a familiar voting experience while giving organizers a consistent, secure, and efficient way to administer elections throughout the year. Regardless of the type of election being conducted, organizers can use the same platform for voter management, ballot design, voter communications, reporting, and election administration, while members benefit from a familiar voting experience every time they cast an online voting ballot.

Planning an Upcoming Union Election? Simply Voting has helped unions of all sizes conduct secure online voting for a wide variety of elections. Whether your organization prefers a self-service approach or would like assistance from our experienced election services team, contact us today to discuss your upcoming election.

When organizations prepare for online voting administration, they often focus on who is eligible to vote, what appears on the ballot, and when voting will open and close. Those details are important, but there is another question worth considering before the election begins: who should help administer and oversee the online voting process?

For many organizations, the answer is simple. One person manages the election from start to finish, and that approach often works very well. However, it is still worth considering what happens if that person becomes unavailable, whether additional oversight is desired, and what level of support may be helpful. The right approach depends on the organization’s specific needs.

One Organizer Can Be Enough

Not every organization conducting online voting requires multiple administrators or layers of access.

For many organizations, a single person administers the online voting election from start to finish. This may include preparing the voter list, setting up the ballot, sending voting instructions, monitoring turnout, and reviewing results once voting has closed.

Keeping administration simple can reduce confusion and make it clear who is responsible for managing the election. For smaller organizations or straightforward elections, one knowledgeable organizer is often all that is needed. An online voting system should simplify election administration rather than introduce additional administrative complexity.

Consider Continuity and Knowledge Transfer

Even when one organizer is enough, it is worth considering what happens if that person becomes unavailable.

Many organizations rely on the same person to administer online voting elections year after year. That can work well until the individual goes on vacation, leaves the organization, retires, or is otherwise unavailable. If all election knowledge lives with one person, the next election may become harder than it needs to be.

Online voting elections are often recurring governance processes. Documenting procedures and ensuring more than one person understands how the election is managed can reduce disruption when responsibilities change.

A backup organizer does not necessarily need to be involved in the day-to-day management of the election. In some cases, it may simply be enough for a second person to understand the process, know where key information is stored, be able to access the online voting system, and step in if necessary.

An experienced online voting provider should make it easy to bring a new organizer up to speed through clear documentation, accessible training materials, and responsive support from knowledgeable election professionals. When questions arise, being able to speak directly with a support professional who understands online voting can help new organizers gain confidence more quickly, particularly during active elections when timely assistance matters.

Shared Responsibilities May Make Sense

While online voting is managed by one person in many organizations, some benefit from dividing responsibilities.

For example, a membership coordinator may prepare or review the voter list, while another individual manages ballot setup, candidate information, or the wording of questions appearing on the ballot.

This does not necessarily require complex permission structures. In many cases, both individuals are simply given similar access while responsibilities are managed internally.

While many organizations may never need these capabilities, a flexible online voting system should offer granular permission controls for organizations that do. As organizational needs change, some organizations may want greater control over who can view, edit, or manage specific election information. The goal is not necessarily to limit access, but to allow organizations to structure responsibilities in the way that works best for them.

Independent Oversight Can Improve Transparency

Some organizations choose to involve an auditor or observer in the online voting process.

Many organizations conduct successful online voting elections without this level of oversight. A well-designed online voting platform should already provide the controls, security measures, and reporting needed to support a fair and transparent election process. However, some organizations may choose to involve an auditor or observer for additional visibility and peace of mind, or to demonstrate that transparency and auditability are being taken seriously.

In some organizations, an auditor or observer may be given access to review election activity, voter participation statistics, or final results. This can help provide additional transparency and create an independent record of how the election was conducted.

This may be particularly valuable for contested elections, sensitive governance votes, or elections with formal audit requirements.

Managed Election Services Can Be Another Option

Some organizations prefer to administer online voting entirely on their own. Others choose to work directly with their online voting provider’s election services team.

Managed election services are often helpful when an organization wants additional support, election expertise, or independence in the administration of an election. Rather than handling every aspect of setup internally, organizations can work with experienced election professionals who assist with the administration of the online election while the organization remains responsible for reviewing and approving election materials.

For election organizers conducting online voting for the first time, operating with limited internal resources, facing compressed timelines, or managing particularly complex elections, managed election services can reduce administrative workload while helping ensure the election is administered efficiently and consistently.

Finding the Right Approach

The right approach to online voting administration will vary from one organization to another. For many organizations, one organizer is enough. Others may benefit from multiple administrators, auditors, or managed election services.

One organizer, multiple administrators, or managed election services can all be effective approaches. The key is ensuring the organization has in place the appropriate level of administration, oversight, and support for its needs.

Whether your organization prefers a self-service approach to online voting or is interested in managed election services, Simply Voting has helped thousands of organizations conduct secure online elections. Contact us today to discuss your election requirements.

After supporting thousands of organizations and tens of thousands of online voting elections, one lesson becomes clear: many election issues originate long before online voting begins.

Voter data, election requirements, communications, testing, and support planning all play an important role in delivering a successful online voting experience.

Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way. Whether your organization is implementing online voting for the first time or building on years of online election experience, here are six common mistakes to avoid before online voting even begins.

1. Overlooking Voter Data Quality

An online voting election is only as accurate as the voter information used to run it.

In many cases, an election becomes an unexpected audit of an organization’s membership data. Missing email addresses, outdated member records, duplicate entries, and eligibility discrepancies often surface only when voting begins, creating unnecessary work for organizers and frustration for voters.

Practical tip: Before importing voters into your online voting platform, export your voter list from your internal membership system and review it for duplicate records, missing email addresses, outdated member status information, incorrect membership categories, and other eligibility-related data.

2. Failing to Review Election Rules and Requirements

Before setting up an online election, organizations should take time to review the rules and requirements that govern the voting process.

Whether requirements come from bylaws, policies, legislation, or governing documents, these rules often influence how ballots must be structured, who is eligible to vote, how candidates are nominated, and how results are reported.

This is particularly important when transitioning from paper ballots or other voting methods to online voting, as existing procedures may need to be reviewed and adapted.

Practical tip: Create a simple election checklist that documents voter eligibility requirements, positions being elected, ballot rules, candidate information requirements, and any quorum or approval thresholds before election setup begins.

3. Treating Voter Communications as an Afterthought

Even a well-configured online election can encounter participation challenges if voters do not understand how, when, or where to vote.

Low voter turnout is often assumed to be a technology problem when it is frequently a communication problem.

Providing clear instructions in advance can reduce confusion, improve participation, and minimize questions once voting begins. This is especially important when online voting is being introduced for the first time, or when some voters may be less familiar with technology and online tools.

Practical tip: Consider how election information will be communicated through both your organization’s existing channels and your online voting platform. Announcements on websites, newsletters, member portals, or internal communications can help build awareness before voting opens, while voting invitations and reminder notices sent through the online voting platform can help drive participation once voting is underway.

4. Failing to Test and Proof the Election Setup

Whether an organization is conducting online voting for the first time or the fifteenth time, testing remains an important step.

Many election issues are not discovered during setup—they are discovered when someone experiences the election as a voter.

Testing provides an opportunity to verify ballot design, voter authentication processes, candidate information, voting instructions, and voter communications before the election is opened to participants. Ideally, an online voting provider should also offer a built-in proofing process that allows organizers to preview exactly how the ballot will appear and function from a voter’s perspective before voting begins.

This voter-facing review can help identify formatting issues, incorrect candidate information, missing candidates, incorrect voting options, or confusing instructions before they impact voters.

Practical tip: Determine what level of testing is appropriate for your election. Some organizations may simply review and proof the ballot, while others may prefer to conduct a complete dry run. A good online voting platform should provide multiple ways to test and validate the election before voting begins.

5. Assuming Help Will Be Available When You Need It

Organizer support is often considered only after a question arises or a problem occurs.

However, organizations should think about support requirements during the planning phase. Election organizers may require guidance before or during the election, particularly when conducting online voting for the first time or managing a complex election.

Practical tip: Before selecting a provider, ask how organizers can obtain help during an active election. Look beyond documentation and email support to understand whether direct phone support and emergency assistance are available when time-sensitive questions arise.

6. Choosing a Provider Based Solely on Price

Cost is an important consideration when evaluating online voting providers, but it should not be the only factor.

Organizations sometimes spend more time comparing prices than comparing the factors that will actually influence the success of the election.

Differences in security practices, election experience, support resources, and service offerings can have a significant impact on the election experience. At the same time, a higher price does not automatically guarantee a better platform or better service.

Practical tip: Compare providers against a checklist that includes security, support, election capabilities, reporting, service options, and pricing. Focus on overall value and fit for your organization’s needs rather than simply selecting the least expensive or most expensive option.

Preparing for Successful Online Voting

Successful online voting starts long before the first ballot is cast.

By maintaining accurate voter information, reviewing election requirements, communicating effectively, testing thoroughly, and selecting the right online voting provider, organizations can create a better experience for both organizers and voters.

Whether an organization is conducting online voting for the first time or building on years of online election experience, a little preparation before voting begins can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth, secure, and successful online voting event.

Planning an upcoming online voting election? Simply Voting has helped thousands of organizations conduct secure online elections. If you’d like to learn more about online voting or discuss your election requirements, contact us today.

Online voting has become an increasingly popular way for organizations to conduct elections. From associations and unions to universities, cooperatives, nonprofits, and homeowners associations, organizations are turning to online voting to increase participation, improve accessibility, and simplify election administration.

With many online voting providers available, it is important to understand which factors matter most when evaluating potential vendors. While features and pricing are important considerations, organizations should also evaluate a provider’s security practices, election expertise, support resources, and service offerings. The right provider should align with your organization’s election requirements, security expectations, governance needs, and administrative resources.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating online voting providers.

Start With Your Election Requirements

Before comparing providers, it’s important to understand your organization’s election process. Some organizations conduct straightforward elections, while others manage complex governance processes involving nominations, multiple constituencies, weighted voting, or several stages of voting.

Clearly defining your requirements will help ensure the provider you choose can support your election process today and as your organization evolves, while helping you get the most value from online voting over the long term. Experienced online voting providers should also help identify requirements that may otherwise be overlooked.

Evaluate Security and Compliance

Security should be one of the first areas examined when evaluating an online voting provider.

Participants need confidence that only eligible voters can vote, that ballots remain confidential, and that election results accurately reflect the outcome of the election. While many providers advertise secure online voting, organizations should look beyond marketing claims and understand the controls that are in place to protect elections.

A provider should be able to clearly explain how voters are authenticated, how ballot secrecy is maintained, and what measures are in place to safeguard election integrity and system availability throughout the voting period. It is also important to understand how security vulnerabilities are identified, managed, and resolved.

Organizations should look for evidence that a provider’s security practices have been independently validated. For example, SOC 2 compliance demonstrates that security controls have been assessed against recognized standards, while independent third-party penetration testing helps verify that systems are regularly evaluated for potential vulnerabilities and security risks.

Security is about more than technology alone. It includes the policies, procedures, audits, and operational practices that help protect elections and maintain confidence in the voting process. When evaluating providers, organizations should consider not only the security features offered, but also the provider’s overall commitment to security, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Assess Experience and Support

Not all online voting providers offer the same level of election expertise or client support.

When evaluating a provider, consider both their election experience and the support resources available to your organizational staff. A strong support program should offer multiple ways to get assistance, including self-service resources like guides and walkthroughs, responsive email support, and direct phone support from knowledgeable support staff when immediate assistance is needed.

Another often-overlooked factor is the availability of emergency support. Election issues do not always occur during normal business hours, and access to 24/7 emergency assistance can provide additional peace of mind while voting is underway.

Beyond support channels, organizations should consider a provider’s overall experience. How long have they been conducting online elections? What types of organizations do they serve? Have they successfully supported elections similar to yours?

Because elections are often highly visible events for organizations, responsive support and experienced guidance can be just as important as the technology itself.

Consider Election Management Services

In addition to evaluating support resources, organizations should also consider the level of election management assistance they may require.

Some organizations prefer a fully self-service approach, where administrators manage election setup, voter lists, communications, and results independently. Others may prefer additional guidance from experienced election professionals, particularly when conducting complex elections, implementing online voting for the first time, or when an independent third party is preferred.

Depending on the organization’s needs, additional services such as managed voter information mailings can further reduce administrative workload and help ensure voters receive the information they need to participate. Organizations with diverse voter populations may also benefit from providers that offer multiple voting channels, including online voting and telephone voting, helping ensure all eligible voters have a convenient and accessible way to cast their ballot.

Having the option to choose between self-service and managed elections allows organizations to select the level of assistance that best fits their needs. Whether administrators prefer to manage every aspect of an online voting project independently or rely on experienced election professionals for support, flexibility is crucial.

Administration, Visibility, and Reporting

A successful election should be simple to manage while providing administrators with the visibility they need throughout the process.

Election administrators should be able to efficiently manage voter lists, configure ballots, communicate with voters, and monitor participation without excessive manual work. Features such as voter list imports, scheduled reminders, cloning past election configurations, and multi-administrator access can help reduce workload and minimize the risk of errors.

Visibility during an active election is equally important. Administrators often need access to participation statistics and turnout information to help monitor election progress and support voter engagement efforts.

Once voting closes, reporting and audit capabilities help provide confidence in the outcome. Election records, participation statistics, certified results, and audit information can help organizations verify election activity, maintain governance records, and demonstrate transparency to voters and stakeholders.

An online voting provider should make elections easier to administer while providing the reporting and oversight tools needed to support confidence in the online voting process.

Choosing the Right Online Voting Provider

Successful online voting depends on more than technology alone. Security, experience, support, service options, and election expertise all play an important role in delivering a smooth and trustworthy election experience.

By evaluating providers carefully, organizations can make a more informed decision and select a partner that will support their elections long term.

At Simply Voting, availability is essential. Elections must remain accessible to voters, even in the face of deliberate attempts to disrupt them. One of the most common ways attackers try to interfere with online services is through Denial of Service (DoS) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which attempt to overwhelm systems with excessive traffic.

As these attacks have grown larger and more automated across the internet, we recently upgraded our DDoS protection to further strengthen the reliability of our platform.

What Is a DDoS Attack?

A DDoS attack floods a website or service with large volumes of traffic in an attempt to make it unavailable to legitimate users. These attacks can come from many sources at once and can scale very quickly.

For online elections, even brief disruptions are unacceptable. That is why DDoS protection must work automatically and at internet scale.

Our Previous Protection

In the past, Simply Voting used a DDoS protection system that could respond to attacks by redirecting traffic to specialized filtering systems when needed. This approach was effective and helped protect elections during periods of elevated risk.

However, it also relied on switching traffic paths during an attack, which adds complexity at exactly the moment when simplicity matters most.

Our New, Always-On Protection

We have now moved to a newer DDoS protection service provided by our hosting partner, Hut 8 High Performance Computing. It is built on carrier-grade DDoS protection technology from NETSCOUT Arbor. Arbor’s systems are widely used by internet service providers and large enterprises to protect critical online services against large-scale attacks.

Instead of reacting to an attack after it has already begun to affect our systems, traffic is continuously monitored and filtered before it ever reaches our servers. Malicious traffic is blocked automatically, while legitimate voters continue to access the platform normally.

This approach provides several important benefits:

• Always-on protection
  The system is active at all times and does not require manual action during an attack.
• Early blocking of attack traffic
  Harmful traffic is stopped before it can interfere with our infrastructure.
• No reliance on traffic redirection
  Protection does not depend on switching services or changing configurations during an incident.
• Full coverage
  All of our internet-facing systems are protected, not just specific endpoints.

Why This Matters for Elections

Elections have predictable timelines and high visibility, which can make them attractive targets for disruption. Our updated approach reduces the risk of outages during critical voting periods and simplifies how attacks are handled behind the scenes.

Most importantly, it helps ensure that voters can access the system when it matters most.

Part of a Broader Security Approach

DDoS protection is one part of Simply Voting’s broader security and reliability strategy. We combine network-level protections with monitoring, access controls, and operational safeguards designed to protect both availability and election integrity.

We continually review and improve these measures as technology and threats evolve.

For more information about how we protect our platform, please visit our Security & Reliability page.