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Publishing Voting Results


Guest Kim

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I am curious to know if it is appropriate to publish voting results (on secret ballot) for members of our committee as either YES or NO for ratification (persons running unopposed) or must the actual vote counts be published?

Our bylaws do not specify how to publish results. There is a history of publishing the counts in the past but this year, the committee published only yes or no in order to preserve the dignity of those being voted into the committee.

Our bylaws state that anywhere there is an unanswered issue that Robert;s Rules will preside. Thanks.

 

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I am curious to know exactly what "YES or NO for ratification (persons running unopposed)" means. Is your organization appointing your committee through election by ballot?

 

In voting by ballot, RONR says,

"In elections, "for" or "against" spaces or boxes should not be used. They are applicable only with respect to votes on motions. In an election, a voter can vote against one candidate only by voting for another who has been nominated or by writing in the name of another candidate."

 

In any case, the previous response still applies (that the ballot vote count is recorded in the minutes).

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I am curious to know

if it is appropriate to publish voting results (on secret ballot) for members of our committee as either YES or NO for ratification (persons running unopposed)

or must the actual vote counts be published?

Our bylaws do not specify how to publish results.

There is a history of publishing the counts in the past but this year, the committee published only yes or no in order to preserve the dignity of those being voted into the committee.

 

 

Any counted vote is to be recorded in the minutes, exactly.

* A standing count is recorded.

* A ballot count is recorded.

* A serpentine count is recorded.

 

As for minutes . . .

 

Try this on for size:

 

"On [issue X], the [Z Committee] voted:

5 affirmative

4 negative."

 

Or:

 

"The Z Committee met at/on [DATE and TIME and LOCATION].

In re the Johnson resolution, which was referred to the committee in November;

the commitee rejected the resolution: 6 negative, 2 affirmative."

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"The tellers’ report is entered in full in the minutes, becoming a part of the official records of the organization. Under no circumstances should this be omitted in an election or in a vote on a critical motion out of a mistaken deference to the feelings of unsuccessful candidates or members of the losing side."

 

Robert, Henry M. III (2011-09-27). Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition 

Emphasis added.

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