Keeping Sandalwood the way we love it is simple — and it doesn’t require signing anything. The proposed covenants only take effect in a part of the neighborhood if 51% of homes in that part sign and return a ballot. That means the most powerful thing you can do is also the easiest.

The single most important thing to know

Not returning a ballot counts as a vote against the new covenants. This is stated in the board’s own letter: if you don’t submit a ballot, it’s a “no.” You do not need to sign anything, mail anything, or do anything at all to vote no. Doing nothing is your no vote.

If a board member or notary comes to your door

The board has said they’ll go door to door to collect signed ballots, and they have notaries who will come to your home. You are under no obligation to sign. It’s easy to feel put on the spot by a neighbor at your door — so it helps to decide now what you’ll say.

You can simply say: “Thanks, but we’ve decided not to adopt the new covenants.” That’s it. You don’t owe anyone a signature, a ballot, or an explanation. If it’s easier, you don’t even need to answer the door.

Want a small card to keep by your door or hand over? [Download a printable “We’ve decided not to adopt — no signature needed” card here.]

What happens if the new covenants don’t pass? Nothing changes.

Voting no is not a leap into the unknown. According to the board’s own letter, if the new covenants aren’t adopted, the neighborhood remains covered by the covenants we already live under — the ones established when Sandalwood was built. A “no” simply keeps the status quo we’ve enjoyed for decades.

A few things worth knowing

By the board’s own admission, many of the proposed covenants are already city ordinances that Madison enforces regardless. Much of this is redundant — Madison already has the strongest code enforcement in Mississippi.

The board also acknowledges the new covenants could end up applying to only some parts of the neighborhood, depending on how each part votes. That could leave Sandalwood split into mismatched sets of rules, section by section — the opposite of the “one neighborhood” intent.

Stay in the loop

We’re keeping neighbors updated as the deadline (estimated December 31) approaches. Add your name below so we can share reminders and answer any questions. The more of us who quietly hold the line, the easier this is.

Talk with your neighbors

The new covenants only pass in a part if a majority there actively sign. The simplest way to protect the whole neighborhood is to make sure your neighbors know that doing nothing is a perfectly valid — and effective — way to vote no. A short conversation over the fence may be the most valuable thing you do.