(a) Except in the case of a central organization, cumulative voting shall not be permitted. In the case of a central organization, if the articles or bylaws authorize cumulative voting, but not otherwise, every member entitled to vote at any election of directors may cumulate such member’s votes and give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the number of votes to which the member is entitled, or distribute the member’s votes on the same principle among as many candidates as the member thinks fit. An article or bylaw provision authorizing cumulative voting may be repealed or amended only by approval of the members (Section 12224), except that the governing article or bylaw provision may require the vote of a greater proportion of the members, or of the members of any class, for its repeal.

(b) No member shall be entitled to cumulate votes for a candidate or candidates unless such candidate’s name or candidates’ names have been placed in nomination prior to the voting and the member has given notice at the meeting prior to the voting of the member’s intention to cumulate votes. If any one member has given such notice, all members may cumulate their votes for candidates in nomination.

(c) In any election of directors of a central organization by cumulative voting, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected, subject to any lawful provision specifying election by classes. In any other election of directors, unless otherwise provided in the articles or bylaws, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected.

(d) Elections for directors need not be by ballot unless a member demands election by ballot at the meeting and before the voting begins or unless the bylaws so require.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 812, Sec. 17.5.)