What is Proxy Voting?

Proxy voting allows an Owner to authorize another person to vote on their behalf if they are unable to attend a meeting. A proxy vote can be particularly helpful in ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.

Why Voting is Important

Viting ensures that decisions represent the broader views of the community, as members who cannot attend still have a way to contribute to key decisions. Using a proxy can help maintain active participation, prevent meetings from lacking a quorum, and support fairer governance practices.

Guidance for Assigning Your Proxy Vote

Before assigning your proxy vote, consider the following:

• Choose Your Proxy Carefully: Ensure the person you assign your vote to shares similar values or priorities on the issues being voted on. Selecting someone you trust helps ensure your interests are represented.
• Limit the Scope of Your Proxy: You can choose to assign a proxy for a single vote or meeting rather than giving someone broader or ongoing control over your vote. This can help protect your interests on specific issues.
• Understand the Potential Impact: Your vote can impact significant decisions in the community, so it’s important to be clear about how your proxy might use it. If you have questions, reach out for clarification before assigning your vote.

How to Rescind Your Proxy Vote

If you have previously assigned your vote to someone via proxy but would like to retract it, you can rescind it before the meeting or voting occurs. Here’s how:

• Check the Deadline: Verify any deadlines for rescinding proxies in your organization, as some may require advance notice.
• Submit a Written Statement: Send an email to Rancho directly at josephtsang@ranchogroup.com, with your full name and unit number, clearly stating you are revoking your proxy authorization.
• Attend the Meeting: If possible, attend the meeting to vote directly. Once present, your proxy is typically no longer effective, and your vote is counted directly.

By rescinding your proxy, you regain control of your vote and can participate directly in the organization’s decision-making process.

Proxy Farming Warning

While proxy voting can be a legitimate way to ensure participation, it is vulnerable to a practice known as proxy farming. Proxy farming occurs when an individual or group collects a large number of proxy votes to gain influence over decisions, often without fully informing members of the potential implications. Some risks associated with proxy farming include:

• Authenticity:These entities will never ask for your proxy vote; The Developer - Onni, Strata Management Company - Rancho, Concerige Team - Centrum.
• Unbalanced Power: Proxy farming can give a small group or individual disproportionate control, which may not reflect the broader community’s interests.
• Lack of Transparency: Members who grant proxy votes may be unaware of how their votes will be used, sometimes leading to decisions they may not support.
• Potential Coercion: In some cases, individuals collecting proxies may pressure others to assign them their votes without fully explaining the impacts.