Voting and Quorum
You must call for the negative vote
One of the surprising rules about voting is that when taking the vote, the chair MUST call for the negative vote
Read MoreWhen is a quorum not enough?
It seems that confusion is rampant about the “quorum” and related voting issues. Read on:
Read MoreCounting a vote wrong is dangerous
Updated February 17, 2020 Counting a vote wrong can land you in big trouble. As readers know, the QUORUM is the minimum number of voting members who must be present for business to be done. Once you have your quorum in place, you can take action by discussion and voting. (Read “what is a quorum”…
Read MoreTie vote fails
What happens when a vote is tied? Here are a few angles to this question.
Read MoreDon’t take a two-thirds vote by voice
When you have to take a two-thirds vote, take it by a show of hands. Don’t use voice, as in this video from Amherst, Massachusetts!
Read MoreUnanimous consent will slash your meeting time
Unanimous consent is one of the most useful tools in Robert’s Rules of order. Yet this method of voting is little known. Use it well, and your meetings will be much more efficient. Your members will also be grateful!
Read MoreDon’t try to count a voice vote
Sometimes after a voice vote that is not unanimous, we see an odd scenario. The chair or the clerk starts trying to figure out who voted for and who voted against. “Let’s see, it looks like the motion passed, with Member B and Member C voting against—you did vote against, didn’t you?” Don’t do this! Trying…
Read MoreYou can’t vote by email
Update on June 4, 2020 – Things have changed this spring because of the COVID-19 crisis. Some states have amended their laws or issued emergency orders changing their rules on remote meetings and email voting. This guidance may no longer apply. Check with your attorney before deciding what to do. Several of our clients have…
Read MoreRecording votes in meeting minutes
When deciding about recording votes in meeting minutes, first review any legal requirements in your state of incorporation. For instance, in California, public bodies must record how each board member cast their vote by name in the minutes. Those requirements may settle the matter for you. If your state doesn’t specify how to record the…
Read MorePublish your numbers when electing nonprofit officers
When it comes time for electing nonprofit officers, far too often we see announcements like this: “The election for president was held and Director Black was elected to the office.” This is a mistake! When you hold an election for office, BE SURE to include the numbers of votes cast for each individual in your…
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