As parishes are forced to hold annual meetings online, many parish leaders have been concerned with how to handle elections virtually and remotely.
Below are listed a few popular software options. The diocesan Office of Communication Ministry had Zoom meeting sessions to offer clergy (and others responsible for setting up parish elections) some online “hands on” assistance.
If you were not able to attend one of these sessions, please reach out to communication@dioceseli.org or (516) 248-4800 ext. 120.
Friday, January 8 at 2 pm Monday, January 11 at 11 am Tuesday, January 12 at 2 pm
or dial +1 646 876 9923 and use meeting ID 835 7619 8275.
(It is highly recommend joining using a computer or tablet in order more easily to follow along as the steps of how to set up polling are explained.)
About Zoom Polling . . .
Zoom has internal polling software that makes it easy conduct a vote and it’s free with a Zoom license, but there are some drawbacks: · If more than one voting individual resides in the household, they would either need to join the meeting from separate devices or the additional voters would have to register their choice separately · Users who join by dialing in on their phone cannot participate in the Zoom poll
(Reminder: the Bishop’s Office is offering one Zoom license to each parish . Each license offered includes Zoom meetings and/or Zoom webinars for up to 500 people for unlimited time of event. Contact communication@dioceseli.org to get signed up.)
Other Online Election Options
Election Buddy: Robust platform that can manage secure elections, budget approvals, and more via phone, computer, mail or in person. $19 for up to 350 voters. (Text voting an additional $29.)
Election Runner: Platform dedicated for managing elections (not budgets). Have seen other entities use this for their position elections and then use Zoom “raise hand” feature or polling for other types of voting. $15 for up to 100 voters; $29 for up to 300 voters.
