HOA Homefront: Readers ask about HOA election glitches (Part 1)

Q: Is there any restriction on note-taking while inspecting election ballots in a delegate-based election? I believe copying is not allowed, but isn’t note taking considered to be different and unrestricted? — T.R., Rancho Santa Margarita
A: In most HOA elections, any candidate or member may witness the vote counting, under Civil Code 5120, and inspect the ballots after the election, under Civil Code 5125. However, the voting by delegates is not subject to the election procedural req