Preposterous? A wild thought? You say that: according to the national HOA business ‘educational’ trade group, HOAs are the best example of local democracy at work [1]. So, make your point, convince me! OK, I will!
Please see the table, A comparison between fiefdoms and HOAs.
Note 1. “Associations are the most local form of representative democracy, with leaders elected by their neighbors to govern in the best interests of all residents.” Community Associations Fundamentals, item 2.
HOA Constitutional Government 