What is DirectNominations and how does it work?

DirectNominations is a cloud-based civic engagement technology from Survey & Ballot Systems that digitalizes the candidate filing process. It enables candidates to submit their information seamlessly online, while allowing election administrators to track submissions and the application process in real-time. Candidates can conveniently complete applications on their own schedule, upload required documents, and gather petition signatures electronically.

How does digital petition signature collection work?

Digital petition signature collection allows candidates to gather support without face-to-face interactions. Candidates can share their petition electronically via email, social media, or website links. Supporters can easily sign the petition using electronic signatures, often with just a swipe of a finger or a few clicks. The system automatically verifies signatures according to your organization's rules, eliminating manual verification work.

What are the benefits of using a digital nominations platform?

Digital nominations platforms offer numerous benefits: they reduce administrative workload by eliminating paper-heavy processes; increase member participation by making it easier to apply and gather signatures; ensure compliance with bylaws through automated verification; provide real-time monitoring capabilities for administrators; include built-in communication features for reminding candidates about deadlines; and create a more secure and efficient nomination process overall.

What types of organizations can use DirectNominations?

DirectNominations is ideal for a wide range of organizations including cooperatives, credit unions, associations, unions, clubs, mutual insurance companies, and government entities. It's particularly valuable for organizations that hold regular elections for board positions or other leadership roles, as well as those with geographically dispersed membership who may find traditional paper-based nomination processes challenging.

Can the nominations platform be customized?

Yes, DirectNominations is highly customizable to meet your organization's specific needs. The platform can be configured to align with your bylaws, election rules, and nomination requirements. You can customize the application forms, required fields, document upload requirements, signature thresholds, and even the look and feel to match your organization's branding. SBS works with each client to ensure the platform is tailored to their unique processes.

Is the digital nominations platform secure?

Absolutely. DirectNominations incorporates robust security measures including data encryption, secure authentication processes, and regular security audits. The platform complies with industry-standard security protocols to protect sensitive information. All data is stored securely, and access is strictly controlled with appropriate permission levels for different user roles.

How does DirectNominations increase member participation?

DirectNominations increases participation by removing traditional barriers in the nomination process. Members can complete nominations from anywhere at any time using their preferred device. The streamlined digital process is less intimidating than paper forms, while electronic petition signature gathering makes it easier to collect support. Automated reminders keep candidates engaged, and the user-friendly interface guides members through each step, resulting in higher completion rates.

Nomination & Petition Software

About Our Petition and Nomination Software

SBS has developed our nomination and petition software as a turnkey solution.

Ideal uses for our nomination and petition software include:

Candidate filings

Award and scholarship applications

Municipal candidate applications

Our full-featured platform provides:

Candidate nomination applications

We simplify the application submission process through the online candidate nomination system portal. Candidates add their details, photos and more according to the parameters you set.

A dedicated website

Our experts design and create your nominations and petitions site for you. We oversee the entire project, so there's no need to disrupt staff from their regular duties.

Online petition signature collection

Candidates can quickly and easily capture petition signatures through email and our electronic signing technology. If they already have a paper form, they can upload it to the platform directly.

Personalized candidate journeys

We've incorporated branching logic into the software to create a better end-user experience. This feature seamlessly guides candidates through the process based on their responses to your custom questions.

Benefits of Our Online Nomination Platform

We stand apart from other digital nomination and online petition software in multiple ways.

Security and Voting Integrity

SBS undergoes independent audits to ensure data privacy compliance with SOC 2. We also implement numerous protocols to safeguard against threat actors. These proactive steps mean you can have greater confidence in our security, reliability, and certified outcomes.

Ease-Of-Use and Convenience

We've crafted our online nominations software with a focus on and commitment to ease-of-use for users of all types. Our interfaces feature intuitive operation and navigation for a frustration-free experience.

Additionally, the SBS nominations platform offers extreme convenience. Candidates can self-register from any connected device when it works best for them. They can also enjoy the functionality of saving their progress and resuming their journey later.

Individualized Service and Customization

At SBS, we have a large, experienced team with the resources to provide individualized service and support. Our experts are available through numerous channels, including web chat, phone and email. We're committed to creating superior experiences for candidates and administrators at every process step.

Our platform is fully customizable to your organizational needs. You control the questions, required fields, and word counts for standardized data across the candidate pool. You can also track the candidate journey from start to finish, export data as needed, and configure custom reminders.

Schedule a Demonstration Who We Serve

Additional Election Services From Survey & Ballot Systems

At Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS), we’ll collaborate with you to discover your priorities and determine which of our solutions align with your election goals. We also offer several additional election services to reduce your administrative load, increase voter participation, and improve member satisfaction. Here are the services we offer:

Election Analytics

Election analytics turn your data into actionable insights, helping you analyze member behavior and improve participation.

Explore Election Analytics Features

Embedded Login Links

Expand participation with embedded login links. When you opt for this service, we’ll send auto-embedded login links to your voters’ emails that takes them directly to their ballot — no username or password setup needed.

Discover the Power of Embedded Login

QR Codes

Incorporating QR codes on election resources, like fliers, posters, and mail-in ballots, can direct members straight to your voting webpage or directly into their ballot.

Harness the Impact of QR Codes

Single Sign-On

Single sign-on (SSO) significantly simplifies online voting by allowing members to log in through your website’s member-only portal using their existing credentials. Once logged in, voters are directed to the election website and their ballot — no need for new usernames or passwords.

Simplify with Single Sign-On

Voting Participation Reminders

SBS offers targeted voter reminders through postal mail, iCalendar alerts, automated texts, and email notifications. Ideal for member organizations with a diverse voter pool, these voting reminders are a proven way to increase participation in elections.

Enhance Voter Engagement

View all Additional Election Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Basics

What is digital nomination and petition software?

Digital nomination and petition software is a centralized online platform that replaces paper-based workflows for candidate filings, award applications, and petitions. Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) uses this tool to automate intake and reduce administrative work.

What are the common uses for this software?

The platform is designed for candidate nomination applications, electronic petition signature collection, and managing award or scholarship submissions.

Key Features

How do nomination and petition tools streamline election processes?

These tools simplify the election process by replacing paper forms and spreadsheets with a centralized, digital workflow. Administrators can view all nominations in one place, track submission status, and manage both electronic and paper signatures together. The platform also supports automated confirmation, thank-you, and reminder emails, helping keep candidates and applicants on track. Custom nomination, scholarship, or application forms can be built with required questions and flexible formatting, reducing errors and administrative follow-up.

How is the candidate application process simplified?

SBS provides an online portal where candidates can upload details, files, images, videos, and more. Applications can be customized to fit each organization’s requirements, ensuring candidates provide exactly what’s needed - no more, no less.

Is it possible to save progress during a nomination submission?

Yes. Nomination submissions are automatically saved as candidates work. Candidates can start from any device, leave at any time, and return later to continue where they left off - no manual saving required.

What level of customization is available for administrators?

Administrators can set custom questions, required fields, and word counts. The platform also provides tools to track the candidate journey and export data for easy management.

Can candidates collect signatures for petitions online?

Yes. Candidates can capture signatures via email and electronic signing. Our tools allow users to upload physical signature forms directly into the digital system.

Security & Compliance

How is data privacy ensured for candidate information?

All candidate data is protected using Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, the same security standard used by U.S. banks and financial institutions. This ensures data cannot be viewed, intercepted, or altered while being transmitted, keeping candidate information private and secure.

How are nomination sites managed?

While SBS handles the setup and technical configuration of the nomination site, your organization remains in control. You define the requirements and questions, and administrators have secure access to oversee submissions, monitor progress, and communicate directly with candidates during the nomination process.

Are these digital tools reliable for certified outcomes?

Yes. By using a secure, third-party audited system, SBS ensures that all nomination and petition results are reliable, valid, and defensible.