Annual General Meetings (AGMs) are an essential part of condo governance, but for many property managers, they come with familiar challenges: low participation, repeated reminders, and time-consuming administrative work.

While these issues may seem procedural, they often reflect a deeper problem: many owners aren’t clear on why AGMs matter, how to get involved, or what’s expected of them. This is where modern communication tools can make a difference.

In particular, two tools—elevator screens and electronic voting—are helping improve turnout, reduce confusion, and make meetings more efficient for managers and residents alike.

Using elevator screens to boost awareness

Elevator screens are already used in many buildings to share notices and updates. During AGM season, they offer a valuable channel for reinforcing key information in high-traffic areas like lobbies, mailrooms, and elevators.

The common uses include:

• Displaying the AGM date, time, and location;
• Sharing voting instructions or proxy deadlines;
• Showing quorum progress updates; and
• Reinforcing why participation matters.

The advantage lies in visibility and repetition. Reminders are delivered where residents are likely to see them multiple times per day, without adding extra steps to a manager’s workload.

Encouraging participation with e-voting

While raising awareness is important, it doesn’t always translate into participation, especially if the voting process involves paperwork or requires residents to attend in person.

Electronic voting simplifies the process by allowing owners to vote securely from any device, at any time. This makes it easier for:

• Off-site owners;
• Residents with mobility challenges or demanding schedules; and
• Communities with language diversity.

From a property management perspective, e-voting offers clear benefits:

• Tracks quorum progress in real time;
• Reduces reliance on paper proxies; and
• Simplifies meeting prep and post-meeting reporting.

Many communities that have implemented e-voting report reaching quorum before the meeting date and holding shorter, more focused AGMs

A stronger result when used together

Elevator screens and e-voting each bring their own benefits, but together they form a powerful combination. Elevator screens enhance visibility and clarify information, while e-voting provides residents with an easy, accessible way to take action.The result is a smoother, more organized AGM process with less administrative work and higher engagement from owners.

Property managers who have implemented both tools note several improvements:

• Fewer last-minute questions;
• Quorum reached before the meeting (advance votes count toward quorum);
• More prepared board members and owners; and
• Reduced time spent managing and verifying ballots.

Even boards that were initially hesitant often become strong advocates after seeing the benefits firsthand.

Supporting a shift in condo governance

AGMs are more than just a legal requirement; they’re an opportunity to foster transparency, accountability, and resident engagement.

As expectations for convenience and digital access rise, tools like e-voting and elevator screens help condo corporations meet these demands while simplifying operations.

These solutions reflect a broader shift toward modern, resident-focused governance. For many communities, they are quickly becoming the new standard.

Valeriia Dolgova is a marketing manager specializing in technology solutions for condominiums and HOAs. She works with CondoVoter, a leading provider of electronic voting and virtual meeting services across North America.