Did not accept resignation, but moved on

[Char]

Hello, we had 5 board members (of 11) resign by sending a letter to the membership. There was never a vote by the remaining board to accept their resignation per RONR, 11th ed., p.291 because we did not know that was required. Per our bylaws the president and first vice president moved into the positions vacated and we appointed temporary people to the remaining positions "until our next meeting". Does the fact that we moved on and appointed people give an assumption that the resignations were accepted?

Also, per the bylaws a nominating committee that was formed at the meeting prior to the resignations completed their tasks of preparing two slates (one for the positions that would have regularly been up for election and one for the  remainder of the term for the resigned officers). Our bylaws allow for a competing slate to be established by anyone in good standing with a certain number of signatures. Could any of the resigned officers/directors who's term was not complete attempt to be elected to their old position? I would hope that none of them would attempt games like that, but the question has been asked.

[Guest Who's Coming to Dinner]

I would say that your actions constitute acceptance, but it's advisable to formally accept the resignations at your next meeting to dissipate any clouds of confusion. Yes, the resignees may run for their old offices if they are otherwise qualified according to your rules.

[Char]

Thank you. 

[Alexis Hunt]

I'd also throw in that you can only appoint people temporarily if your rules provide for it. If they don't, then:

• When a vacancy is filled, the new officer serves for the remainder of the current term. There is no "temporary" apoointment.
• The right to accept a resignation goes with the right to fill the resulting vacancy. So if only the membership can appoint a replacement, then only the membership can accept the resignation.