Tie vote between board members

[Guest BH Condo Assoc.]

There are four board members on a board. Discussion it taking place for a fifth member. The board is split two two. Does the chairman have the ability to call the vote? Meaning does he have the ability to make the final decision?

[Chris Harrison]

Is this an actual election or was there a motion to appoint X to the Board?

[Guest HWM]

There are four board members on a board. Discussion it taking place for a fifth member. The board is split two two. Does the chairman have the ability to call the vote? Meaning does he have the ability to make the final decision?

The chair should vote along with the other members. But it's very unlikely that the board has the authority to simply add member to the board. This is typically down by amending the bylaws or, at the very least, by a general election.

See also FAQ #1.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

Meaning, does [the chair] have the ability to make the final decision?

Do you mean, "Does the chair vote last?"

The answer is yes, for voice votes.

The answer is no, for ballot votes.

Do you mean, "Does the chair vote twice?"

The answer is no.

A chair cannot vote along with everyone else, then cast an extra tie-breaking vote.

[Trina]

But it's very unlikely that the board has the authority to simply add member to the board.

It's possible they're working on filling a vacancy. To the original poster -- do you mean there are currently five board members, if you include the chair? The chair should just go ahead and vote with the others. On the other hand, if there are four members, and the chair is already voting (i.e. he's part of the two-two tie), then he certainly does not have the authority to make the final decision. The group should keep voting until some candidate receives a majority. Assuming, of course, that the board has the authority to make this decision in the first place (as HWM pointed out).

[Rob Elsman]

Do you mean, "Does the chair vote last?"

The answer is yes, for voice votes.

The answer is no, for ballot votes.

Do you mean, "Does the chair vote twice?"

The answer is no.

A chair cannot vote along with everyone else, then cast an extra tie-breaking vote.

In small boards or committees where the chairman votes right along with the other members, he should not vote last; rather, he should vote when the vote is taken.

[hogsta00]

May the President in a Union Meeting relinquish his chair and give his personal opinion on a issue that we are about to vote on? Therefore, swaying votes prior to voting.

[hmtcastle]

May the President in a Union Meeting relinquish his chair and give his personal opinion on a issue that we are about to vote on? Therefore, swaying votes prior to voting.

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