Scheduling. Because ballots are mailed out 30 days in advance of the annual meeting and since most voting is now done through the mail before the meeting, there is very little opportunity for owners to meet the candidates. Accordingly, boards should schedule a "Meet the Candidates" forum either just before or shortly after the ballots are mailed to the members.

Association Funds? This does not violate the restriction on using association funds for campaign purposes since the forum is not an advocacy for any particular candidate but, rather, an opportunity for members to meet all candidates and hear their position on various issues facing the association.

Forum Required? There is nothing in the law requiring a "Meet the Candidates" night. Nominees are not required to campaign for office. As a result, associations may dispense with the forum if the the election is uncontested. In addition, associations may want to amend their documents to dispense with balloting in uncontested elections.