Choosing the right online voting application depends on what the association wants it to do. Some are even free. Larger associations may choose to outsource to election management companies, which, for a fee, will manage the entire election, from data management to tabulation. Election companies take care of list management, custom e-ballot creation and tabulation, and reporting, among other services. For groups facing potentially contentious elections, outsourcing also ensures that member votes are collected and counted fairly, without the risk or appearance of tampering or inappropriate intervention by staff.
Associations often pay a per election fee for such services.
Though the most sophisticated online election services and election management software offer a laundry list of special reports, polling and marketing features, and other bells and whistles, most associations need only a minimum level of technology to start online voting. The simple electronic ballot is placed on the regional Internet-based MLS, with direct links to the Web site candidate page. Voting is open for two weeks. When members log on to the MLS with their ID and password, a pop up screen appears asking if they want to vote. Members then choose a candidate and submit their vote.