There have been many voting irregularities and we need to change our voting system for that it is fair, easy to use and confidential
Proposed changes to voting system:
- Members who cannot attend AGM can vote electronically (eVote)
Proposed changes to SVHI governance:
- SVHI bylaws must be finalized and sent to every member
- SVHI bylaws are made available online, updated with future changes to bylaws.
eVote
In September 2018 SVHI members voted to implement electronic voting. In April 2019, an eVote system was presented to the board for testing and review.
eVote Benefits:
• AGM is shorter (maybe more people will attend)
• every shareholder votes on AGM proposal and directors
• members can see discussion before voting
• long time frame for voting… even vote after AGM (think and talk about issues)
• eVoting saves paper
Click here for demonstration of an eVote system using Google Forms
Click here for demonstration of an eVote system for an AGM
Proxy Issues
- proxy voting is complicated and time consuming
- absentee voters are forced to find a proxy to vote
- It’s difficult, if not impossible, for a shareholder to find out if the vote was cast as instructed and properly counted.
- proxy system can be used to collect votes for proposals
Abstention Issue
History of Voting Irregularities
The 2018 AGM featured a number of voting issues. The voting procedures were not clear, in particular proxy votes. A number of irregularities occurred:
- One member's vote was not counted although he duly filled a proxy form in time
- Another members' votes were changed or recorded incorrectly
- A re-count of the vote was requested, but the ballots were destroyed
- Ballots were not kept at the office of the secretary for at least three months after the meeting.
- A re-vote was requested by not done.