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Guest Irv C.

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Our Congregation has scheduled a meeting to vote on a subject.

Our By-laws have a discrepancy in what constitutes a quorum of members at the general membership meeting. In one paragraph is states, " a quorum shall consist of 5% of all congregational members in good standing".

Another paragraph states, " a quorum consists of 25 members of the congregation in good standing".

There are approximately 500 family units which translates to approximately 1000 totals members eligible to vote; which one do we follow?

 

2nd question relates to the vote on the motion in this meeting. There is no clause in the by-laws that dictate whether a secret ballot or open voice vote shall be done. How do we decide which is appropriate when the vote is called?

 

Thank you

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RONR recommends that a specific number of members be present, instead of a certain percentage, so I'd go with 25 members here.  Also, this is more specific, then a percentage--because that can fluctuate with increases or decreases in membership.  An amendment to the bylaws requires a 2/3 vote, which is a standing vote.

 

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4 minutes ago, SaintCad said:

Why wouldn't it be that the definition adopted later would nullify the one adopted earlier?

This stuff happens routinely.  The fact that they are in separate paragraphs indicates one was not properly substituted for the other.  But we don't have enough facts to answer his question regardless.

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I suggest that the bylaws be carefully reviewed to make certain that these two apparently conflicting provisions do not relate to circumstances which differ in some respect.

If these provisions do, in fact, conflict with each other, I'm afraid that reliance on the lesser of the two (whichever one that may be) will be very risky.

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13 minutes ago, Guest Irv C. said:

could someone comment on the 2nd question regarding the method of voting?  voice vs. ballot

If the bylaws are silent on the methiod of voting, the default requirment is a voice votre or, for issues that require a two-thrids vote, a standing vote. But the assmebly could, by majority vote, order a ballot vote.

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