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Jul 14, 2023 · Learn what a voting abstention is, why and how board members abstain, and how to record abstentions according to Robert's Rules of Order.
To abstain means to refrain from voting, and, as a consequence, there can be no such thing as an “abstention vote.” In the usual situation, where the rules require either a “majority vote” or a “two-thirds vote,” abstentions have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the vote since what is required is either a majority or two ...
Jul 16, 2021 · Under Robert’s Rules, members don’t have to vote and can abstain from voting if they wish. Abstention votes shouldn’t be counted or asked for, as it’s a member’s decision whether or not to vote.
Board members might abstain from voting if they have a conflicting interest in the result of the vote, for example. Determine what method your board will use to vote in advance, whether that’s via paper ballots, board management system, roll call, or some other means.
- Always Ask for Abstentions. No. As I’ve talked about before, per Robert’s Rules, abstentions should not be called for, counted, or recorded. Why? Because no member can be required to vote, so when you ask people to tell whether they voted, you’re asking them to make a record of their decision to not go on record.
- Never Ask for Abstentions. No. Point one aside, there are two circumstances when you should ask people who are abstaining to identify themselves. (1) You’re part of a public body (elected/appointed officials) and have a responsibility to make a record of your participation on votes for the benefit of constituents.
- Abstentions Should Be Counted as Votes “Cast” Wrong. The issue here is whether to count abstentions as votes cast when you’re trying to determine whether you have a majority.
- Abstentions Never Affect the Vote Result. Wrong again. Abstentions affect the vote result if your governing documents define majority differently – as the number of individuals present or the number of total members.
Apr 23, 2024 · When someone can vote but chooses not to, they abstain from voting. A person may abstain for many reasons. They may not know enough about the issue to make an informed decision.
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In a board meeting with fewer than 12 members (unless stated otherwise), the president can make motions, second them, discuss them, and vote on them. In a general membership meeting, the president should remain impartial and abstain from making or seconding motions.
