Quick Overview
- 1#1: Simply Voting - Provides secure, end-to-end verifiable online voting for governments, organizations, and enterprises.
- 2#2: ElectionBuddy - Offers user-friendly online voting for associations, unions, and non-profits with strong security features.
- 3#3: Democracy Live - Delivers secure remote and hybrid voting solutions for board meetings, elections, and shareholder votes.
- 4#4: Voatz - Blockchain-powered mobile voting platform ensuring verifiable and accessible online elections.
- 5#5: Election Runner - Affordable, easy-to-use online voting software tailored for HOAs, co-ops, and small organizations.
- 6#6: Survey & Ballot Systems - Comprehensive election management platform with customizable online voting and reporting tools.
- 7#7: ElectionOnline - Web-based system for absentee, remote, and curbside voting with high security standards.
- 8#8: OpaVote - Supports advanced voting methods like ranked-choice and approval voting for fair online elections.
- 9#9: BigPulse - Handles unlimited voters in anonymous or authenticated online polls and elections.
- 10#10: PollUnit - Facilitates collaborative polls and weighted voting for group decision-making online.
Our ranking prioritized robust security, versatility in supporting diverse voting methods, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring each tool meets high standards for reliability and performance.
Comparison Table
Online voting software plays a vital role in modern election management, providing secure and accessible tools for organizing votes. This comparison table details popular options like Simply Voting, ElectionBuddy, Democracy Live, Voatz, and Election Runner, offering insights into key features, strengths, and suitability to help users identify the best fit.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simply Voting Provides secure, end-to-end verifiable online voting for governments, organizations, and enterprises. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | ElectionBuddy Offers user-friendly online voting for associations, unions, and non-profits with strong security features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Democracy Live Delivers secure remote and hybrid voting solutions for board meetings, elections, and shareholder votes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Voatz Blockchain-powered mobile voting platform ensuring verifiable and accessible online elections. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Election Runner Affordable, easy-to-use online voting software tailored for HOAs, co-ops, and small organizations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Survey & Ballot Systems Comprehensive election management platform with customizable online voting and reporting tools. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | ElectionOnline Web-based system for absentee, remote, and curbside voting with high security standards. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | OpaVote Supports advanced voting methods like ranked-choice and approval voting for fair online elections. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | BigPulse Handles unlimited voters in anonymous or authenticated online polls and elections. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | PollUnit Facilitates collaborative polls and weighted voting for group decision-making online. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
Provides secure, end-to-end verifiable online voting for governments, organizations, and enterprises.
Offers user-friendly online voting for associations, unions, and non-profits with strong security features.
Delivers secure remote and hybrid voting solutions for board meetings, elections, and shareholder votes.
Blockchain-powered mobile voting platform ensuring verifiable and accessible online elections.
Affordable, easy-to-use online voting software tailored for HOAs, co-ops, and small organizations.
Comprehensive election management platform with customizable online voting and reporting tools.
Web-based system for absentee, remote, and curbside voting with high security standards.
Supports advanced voting methods like ranked-choice and approval voting for fair online elections.
Handles unlimited voters in anonymous or authenticated online polls and elections.
Facilitates collaborative polls and weighted voting for group decision-making online.
Simply Voting
enterpriseProvides secure, end-to-end verifiable online voting for governments, organizations, and enterprises.
Voter-verified auditing, allowing individuals to independently confirm their vote was counted accurately without compromising secrecy
Simply Voting is a premier online voting platform specializing in secure, verifiable elections for governments, organizations, unions, and corporations. It offers end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, customizable ballot designs, and real-time tabulation with full auditability. Proven in high-stakes elections across North America, it ensures voter privacy, accessibility, and compliance with standards like NIST and EAC guidelines.
Pros
- Unmatched security with end-to-end verifiability and risk-limiting audits
- Proven scalability for elections from 10 to over 1 million voters
- Excellent customer support and seamless integration with voter registries
Cons
- Custom pricing can be opaque without a quote
- Steeper learning curve for highly customized ballot setups
- Primarily focused on formal elections, less ideal for casual polls
Best For
Governments, municipalities, and large organizations requiring legally defensible, high-security online voting.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on voter count and election complexity; typically starts at $1-2 per voter for small elections, with volume discounts.
ElectionBuddy
specializedOffers user-friendly online voting for associations, unions, and non-profits with strong security features.
Instant election creation with automatic email invitations and unique voter links for hassle-free deployment
ElectionBuddy is a user-friendly online voting platform designed for organizations to conduct secure, verifiable elections via the web. It supports customizable ballots, multiple voting methods like ranked-choice and approval voting, voter authentication via unique links or PINs, and comprehensive audit trails. The service is fully hosted, requiring no software installation, making it ideal for quick setup and deployment.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with minimal setup time
- Robust security and audit-proof reporting
- Flexible voting options including ranked-choice
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply for large voter counts
- Limited integrations with external tools
- Basic customization for ballot design
Best For
Small to medium-sized organizations such as HOAs, PTAs, unions, and clubs needing simple, secure online elections.
Pricing
Pay-per-election pricing starts at $19.99 for up to 20 voters, $49.99 for 100 voters, up to $999+ for 10,000+ voters; no subscriptions required.
Democracy Live
enterpriseDelivers secure remote and hybrid voting solutions for board meetings, elections, and shareholder votes.
Verifiable online ballot return with full chain-of-custody preservation for official elections
Democracy Live offers a secure online voting platform designed for remote absentee and overseas voting in official elections. It provides end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, ballot delivery, marking, and verifiable return while maintaining chain-of-custody standards. The solution is widely used by U.S. states and municipalities to comply with election security regulations and enhance voter accessibility.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade security with end-to-end encryption and audit trails
- Proven track record in live U.S. elections for compliance and scalability
- Strong accessibility features for disabled and overseas voters
Cons
- High custom pricing limits accessibility for smaller organizations
- Complex setup and integration requiring technical expertise
- Primarily focused on government elections, less flexible for private use
Best For
Election officials in governments and municipalities handling high-security remote voting for large-scale official elections.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing per election, often starting at $50,000+ depending on voter volume and features.
Voatz
specializedBlockchain-powered mobile voting platform ensuring verifiable and accessible online elections.
Blockchain-based immutable ledger for end-to-end vote verifiability
Voatz is a mobile-first online voting platform designed for secure remote voting in elections, leveraging blockchain technology, biometric authentication, and end-to-end encryption to protect voter privacy and vote integrity. It supports government, corporate, and community elections, allowing voters to cast ballots via smartphone apps with features like facial recognition and audit trails. The platform emphasizes verifiability, enabling voters to confirm their votes were counted accurately.
Pros
- Advanced security with biometrics, blockchain, and encryption for high-integrity voting
- Proven deployment in real-world elections like UOCAVA and state pilots
- Strong auditability and voter verification tools
Cons
- Past security vulnerabilities identified in independent audits
- Limited scalability for very large-scale national elections
- Opaque custom pricing without transparent tiers
Best For
Governments and organizations running secure remote or absentee voting for mid-sized electorates, such as military or overseas voters.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on election size and features; requires contacting sales for quotes, typically starting in the tens of thousands for pilots.
Election Runner
specializedAffordable, easy-to-use online voting software tailored for HOAs, co-ops, and small organizations.
Comprehensive audit trails and tamper-proof reporting that provide verifiable election integrity without complex configurations
Election Runner is a user-friendly online voting platform tailored for organizations conducting elections, polls, and surveys securely over the internet. It enables easy ballot creation with drag-and-drop tools, voter authentication via email or unique links, and real-time result reporting with full audit trails. Primarily used by HOAs, unions, PTAs, and professional associations, it ensures compliance with election standards without requiring technical expertise.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop ballot builder for quick setup
- Strong security features including encrypted votes and audit logs
- Flexible pricing suitable for one-off or recurring elections
Cons
- Limited integrations with external tools like CRMs
- No native mobile app, relying on web responsiveness
- Advanced voting methods like ranked-choice are available but less customizable than competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized non-profits, HOAs, PTAs, and unions needing simple, secure online voting for board elections or polls.
Pricing
Pay-per-election from $20 (up to 50 voters) or monthly subscriptions starting at $29 for unlimited elections with voter limits scaling by plan.
Survey & Ballot Systems
enterpriseComprehensive election management platform with customizable online voting and reporting tools.
Certified election management with hybrid online/mail-in support and professional oversight for guaranteed compliance.
Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) provides comprehensive online voting software tailored for organizational elections, including HOAs, unions, professional associations, and non-profits. It enables secure ballot creation, voter authentication via unique links or PINs, real-time tabulation, and detailed reporting. The platform supports hybrid voting options like mail-in ballots and ensures compliance with election standards through audit trails and certification.
Pros
- Robust security features with voter authentication and audit logs
- Comprehensive reporting and real-time results tracking
- Strong focus on compliance and certification for regulated elections
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing is quote-based and can be higher for smaller elections
- Limited third-party integrations and customization options
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations like HOAs, unions, and associations needing secure, compliant online voting for formal elections.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $0.50-$1.50 per voter or $500+ per election, with volume discounts and managed service add-ons.
ElectionOnline
enterpriseWeb-based system for absentee, remote, and curbside voting with high security standards.
Advanced multi-factor voter authentication including biometrics and SMS verification for high-security elections
ElectionOnline is a secure online voting platform tailored for organizations, associations, HOAs, and corporations to conduct elections, polls, and surveys efficiently. It supports customizable ballots, multiple voter authentication methods like email, SMS, and PINs, and delivers real-time results with detailed audit trails. The software emphasizes election integrity through end-to-end encryption and compliance with standards like GDPR and SOC 2.
Pros
- Robust security with encryption and audit logs
- Customizable ballots and voter authentication options
- Real-time reporting and mobile-responsive interface
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small organizations
- Limited integrations with external CRMs or tools
- Setup requires some technical familiarity for complex elections
Best For
Mid-sized associations, HOAs, and unions seeking secure, compliant online voting without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Per-election plans start at $495 for up to 100 voters; annual subscriptions from $1,200 for unlimited elections.
OpaVote
specializedSupports advanced voting methods like ranked-choice and approval voting for fair online elections.
Cryptographic voter verification allowing participants to independently audit their vote was counted correctly
OpaVote is an online voting platform focused on fair and transparent elections, supporting advanced methods like ranked-choice voting (RCV), approval voting, and proportional representation. It enables users to create public or private polls and elections with verifiable results and cryptographic audits for security. Primarily aimed at non-profits, political groups, and organizations, it emphasizes mathematical election science over basic polling.
Pros
- Strong support for advanced voting systems like single- and multi-winner RCV
- High transparency with voter-verifiable cryptographic proofs and audits
- Free tier for public elections makes it accessible for small groups
Cons
- Basic interface lacks modern customization and branding options
- Limited integrations with external tools like CRMs or calendars
- Paid private elections can add up for frequent large-scale use
Best For
Non-profits, political organizations, and small teams seeking secure, fair voting without high costs.
Pricing
Free for public polls; private elections start at $25 one-time fee per election, with pro plans from $10/month for unlimited use.
BigPulse
specializedHandles unlimited voters in anonymous or authenticated online polls and elections.
Dynamic word cloud and heatmap visualizations that update live as votes come in
BigPulse is an online voting and polling platform tailored for real-time audience engagement in events, webinars, town halls, and meetings. It supports creating interactive polls, quizzes, surveys, and Q&A sessions with question types like multiple choice, open text, rankings, word clouds, and scales. Users can collect responses via web links, QR codes, SMS, or integrations with Zoom and Teams, delivering instant visualizations and exportable analytics.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop poll builder
- Real-time results with engaging visualizations like word clouds
- Seamless multi-device voting including SMS and QR codes
Cons
- Lacks advanced election security like voter authentication or audit trails
- Scalability limits on free tier for large audiences
- Reporting features are basic without deep customization
Best For
Event organizers, educators, and community managers seeking quick, interactive polls for live engagement rather than high-stakes elections.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Pro starts at $49/month (billed annually) for unlimited polls and advanced features; Enterprise custom pricing.
PollUnit
specializedFacilitates collaborative polls and weighted voting for group decision-making online.
Advanced proportional voting with Meek STV for fair, verifiable multi-winner elections
PollUnit is an open-source platform for creating secure online polls, surveys, and elections with support for various voting methods like single/multiple choice, ranking, approval, and advanced proportional systems such as STV. It offers self-hosted deployment for full control or affordable hosted plans, emphasizing transparency with real-time results, audit logs, and export options. Suitable for communities, organizations, and events requiring customizable and verifiable online voting solutions.
Pros
- Open-source and fully self-hostable for data sovereignty
- Advanced voting methods including proportional STV and Meek's algorithm
- Customizable themes, real-time results, and detailed exports
- Mobile-responsive and multilingual support
Cons
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and server management
- Limited native integrations with third-party tools
- Hosted free tier has strict usage limits (e.g., 100 votes/month)
Best For
Communities, non-profits, and small organizations seeking customizable, transparent online voting without vendor lock-in.
Pricing
Free open-source self-hosted version; hosted plans start at €0/month (limited, 100 votes) up to €99/month for unlimited enterprise features.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 online voting tools reveals Simply Voting as the clear leader, boasting secure, end-to-end verifiable solutions suitable for governments, organizations, and enterprises. ElectionBuddy follows closely with its user-friendly design and strong security, ideal for associations and non-profits, while Democracy Live stands out for its robust remote and hybrid voting capabilities, perfect for board meetings and shareholder votes. For those needing tailored solutions, these three—with Simply Voting foremost—are excellent choices based on specific needs.
Don’t miss out on the top performer: Try Simply Voting today to ensure secure, reliable, and efficient online voting for your next event or initiative.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison