As associations continue to evolve in a digitally connected world, one thing remains clear: participation is key. In elections, that participation depends not only on member interest, but on access. That’s where hybrid voting comes into play by offering voters a variety of options. Organizations can now bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, empowering members to have their say, no matter where they are.
Is Hybrid Voting the Future of Member Engagement?
The shift toward hybrid voting didn’t magically start overnight. Accelerated by the global pandemic and driven by changing member expectations, many associations are rethinking how they engage with their communities during elections and critical governance moments to maximize voter participation and allow all members a voice.
So… What are the Benefits of Hybrid Elections?
With a secure, reliable, and adaptable platform like AssociationVoting, associations will benefit from:
1. Increased Voter Participation
- Flexibility of voting methods allows voters to choose what’s convenient—leading to higher turnout, especially among:
- Students
- Military and overseas voters
- Voters with disabilities
2. Improved Accessibility
- Vote from your phone at any time. No waiting for snail mail instructions and ballot. No need for postage.
- Hybrid allows your community to adopt online voting at a rate comfortable to all members, so no group is disenfranchised.
3. Redundancy and Resilience
- Dual systems ensure continuity during emergencies (e.g., power outages, natural disasters, cyber incidents, etc.).
- If one method fails, the other can continue, reducing the chance of exclusion.
4. Faster Processing and Results
- Online votes can be counted quickly.
- Paper ballots can be added and stored for audit purposes, offering speed with a paper trail.
5. Greater Voter Satisfaction
- Voters 👏 Appreciate 👏 Choice! 👏
- Hybrid models align with diverse preferences, building trust and confidence in the electoral process.
6. Streamlined Administration
- Centralized systems that accept both inputs (online and paper) reduce data duplication.
- Election officials can review a single tabulation database, simplifying backend workflows.
7. Auditability and Transparency
- Hybrid systems often allow for risk-limiting audits using both digital logs and physical records.
8. Scalability
- Can be deployed in stages—allowing gradual adoption of online voting with legacy paper processes still intact.
9. Cost Efficiency (Long-Term)
- Hybrid voting allows organizations to limit the number of ballots mailed to a subset of the community, while the remainder votes online for a reduced cost per voter.
- As comfort levels rise with technology year over year, the costs continue to drop as paper ballots drop as an overall percentage of votes.
Success Stories: Associations Thriving with Hybrid Elections
Case: Name Withheld for Privacy**
From 2022 to 2025, one national membership-based organization saw its use of paper ballots decrease by approximately 41%. The data shows that while some voters still prefer paper ballots over electronic options, that number continues to decline — a trend likely to persist in future elections.
Association Voting’s hybrid solution has proven both accommodating and effective for this organization and its voting members. This case highlights how associations can benefit from a seamless mix of voting options that promote broader and more inclusive participation.
2022 Election
- Ballots Cast: 2,771
- Paper Ballots Cast: 417
2023 Election
- Ballots Cast: 3,198
- Paper Ballots Cast: 307
2024 Election
- Ballots Cast: 3,207
- Paper Ballots Cast: 276
2025 Election
- Ballots Cast: 2,507
- Paper Ballots Cast: 247
Looking Ahead: How AV is Building the Future of Hybrid Elections
As associations continue to modernize, the demand for adaptable voting solutions will only grow. AssociationVoting is already exploring innovations like:
- Verification tools for enhanced security and transparency.
- Expanded integrations with AMS and CRM platforms to streamline voter eligibility checks.
- Deeper analytics and reports to help associations understand voter behavior and improve future elections.
Most importantly, the platform is designed to assist any association—whether you have 200 members or 20,000.
Final Thoughts
Hybrid voting isn’t just a convenience, it’s a commitment to fairness, access, and modern governance. With AssociationVoting, associations have a trusted partner in building secure, flexible, and future-ready elections that meet members where they are.
Whether you’re holding a high-stakes board election or gathering input on new policies, AssociationVoting equips you with tools that make complex voting processes simple.
Ready to reimagine your next election?
Visit the AssociationVoting website to learn how your organization can benefit from a customized hybrid voting solution.
**Note: The name of this association has been withheld out of respect for their privacy, as they have not granted explicit permission to be identified in this article.