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Our covenants state ... "amendments must be approved by Members holding at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total votes received by the Association with a minimum of two hundred (200) votes returned." A recent meeting had over 80 percent approval for an amendment but only received 198 total votes as of the start of the meeting. Because we did not meet the 200 vote threshold, the amendment was deemed "not approved." However, mail delivery was delayed on the day of the meeting and an additional 6 votes were received in the late afternoon mail. Can we count the 6 votes because they were mailed on time but the post office delayed their delivery? Counting the 6 votes will changes the vote results.

I have a question about illegal ballots. Recently, our church voted on deacons. We had 3 needing to be replaced because their term limit was up. Voting was done on paper ballots with 5 names listed on the ballot. The ballot stated "Please vote by circling the three (3) men you wish to vote for." The three with the most votes were elected. There was 1 ballot that was blank. It was thrown out. Another had all 5 circled. It was thrown out. We had several ballots that had only 2 circled or 1 circled. That's where my question is centered and where I have been searching for an answer with no luck. Should those ballots be counted as illegal and not counted at all or is that a privilege of the voter to vote for only who he wants to vote for? In my opinion, especially in the case of deacons, if you only think two of the candidates are qualified to serve in that capacity, you shouldn't have to vote for 3, but your votes for the other 2 should be counted. Others in our church say that throws off the election and gives a candidate an advantage and if they don't vote for the 3 as requested, their ballot should be thrown out. Our current Bylaws do not state anything about this. As we are currently working to revise our Bylaws, I need a ruling on this, and the reason to back it up. Any help would be appreciated.

If I understand correctly, a written ballot form prepared in advance of a meeting to elect directors need only include (for each office) the names of all qualified nominees, a place for write-ins, and a way to vote "for". It is proper for the ballot also to include statements that show partiality in some way, e.g., "The above nominees have been vetted by the Board Development Committee, whereas those below have not."? Note: vetting by the committee is not a qualification for office. Or, does the ballot design need to impartial, listing nominees alphabetically, for example, or in the order in which they were nominated? What are the standards, if any, for the proper design of an election ballot form?