HOA Homefront: Many members struggle with boards elections (Part 1)

This is part one in a series on boards elections at HOA communities.
Q: What recourse does a member have if the board refuses to abide by the governing documents or state law? Our president refuses to hold the annual election in an apparent attempt to stay in power. — C.S., Poway
A: Five percent of the members may under Corporations Code 7511(c) send a written petition demanding a membership meeting. However the board likely will ignore it. I have seen members announce their own membe