Multiple Amendments To Same Article Presented

[Guest Kevin Spargur]

I am a member of an organization that meets annualy to handle business and to discuss changes to our governing documents (constitution, by laws, etc). The proposed legislative changes are printed in booklet form and distributed to the members (delegates) prior to the meeting for review and discussion. These proposed amendments are submitted by a specific deadline, reviewed and published ahead of time.

 

This year, there were two different amendments for the exact same article (article: section: paragraph) proposed and published in the booklet. Both proposed amendments were voted on by the membership and both passed the vote of the membership in attendance. The vote on both was by a show of hands and greatly favored the changes. The first amendment made small but substantial changes to the prargraph in question while the second amendment, voted on after the first had been adopted, substantially changed the wording of the original paragraph.

 

Given that both of the proposed amendments were for the exact same piece of legislation, which one takes precendance, the first one adopted or the second?

[jstackpo]

Were vote counts recorded?  The procedure for multiple amendments to the same provision is described on pp. 593-594.  Was this followed?  It sounds as though it was - but you will have to verify that, please.   If so, then the second amendment is the "final" version and is what is now part of your bylaws.

[Transpower]

Most organizations require a 2/3 vote for bylaws changes--this means a standing vote, not a "show of hands."  Proposed changes are taken in sequence.  If the first amendment passes, it goes in effect immediately.  The second amendment is then debated, not in regards to the previous bylaw, but as it now stands with the first amendment adopted.  If it makes no sense, then it should be dropped or modified, accordingly, prior to a vote.

[Guest Guest]

First, thank you for your comments! What you have detailed here is exactly as I thought but needed clarification.

 

The number of votes was not recorded. However, the initial vote was so one-sided that there was absolutely no doubt of a 2/3 majority in support of either amendment.