Low Turnout in CVE Elections Highlights Limited Director Participation

In last month’s elections for Century Village East’s two largest organizations—CVE Master Management and CenClub—only 156 of 414 eligible COOCVE directors voted to select new leadership. This represents a voter turnout of 37.7%, meaning fewer than four in ten directors fulfilled their voting responsibilities.
When viewed in the context of the entire Village population of approximately 16,000 residents, the 156 directors who participated in the election represent just 0.98% of the community. These directors oversee decisions impacting nearly $30 million in combined budgets for the Village.
Participation rates varied significantly across neighborhoods. Islewood had the lowest turnout, with only 1 of its 7 directors voting (14%). Prescott followed, with 3 of its 15 directors voting(20%). On the other hand, only three neighborhoods achieved a turnout rate of 50% or higher: Berkshire at 59%, Keswick at 80%, and Lyndhurst at 67%.
Historically, turnout has fluctuated over the years. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, only 97 directors voted. Participation increased to 127 in 2022, 146 in 2023, and 218 in 2024. This year’s turnout of 156 directors marks a 28.4% decrease compared to the prior year.
When asked about the turnout, COOCVE President Donna Capobianco said, “The process was successful, votes were cast, and the election is over. No big surprises in any area.”
For context, voter turnout in U.S. presidential elections averages around 60%, while midterm elections see approximately 40% participation. In comparison, Century Village East’s director turnout of 37.7% is below national averages. To illustrate further, if the U.S. House of Representatives experienced the same turnout, only 164 of 435 members would cast votes on decisions affecting the entire country.
The limited turnout raises questions among some about the accountability and effectiveness of the election process, particularly when decisions impacting the entire community rest in the hands of so few. As the Village moves forward, some say efforts to encourage greater involvement among directors—and possibly to expand participation—may help strengthen representation and ensure decisions reflect the broader interests of the community.