Roll call votes and passing

[Guest Dan]

Is there a limit on the number of times a member may pass on a roll call vote? For example, if several members of the assembly passed when their names were called to vote, could an individual choose to pass again when the individual's name is called the second time. How many times could they duck?

[George Mervosh]

Under the rules in RONR, a member is never required to vote. RONR, p. 394

[hmtcastle]

Is there a limit on the number of times a member may pass on a roll call vote? For example, if several members of the assembly passed when their names were called to vote, could an individual choose to pass again when the individual's name is called the second time. How many times could they duck?

Well, they shouldn't be asked more than twice, so they wouldn't have to "duck" more than two times.

[Chris Harrison]

Under the rules in RONR, a member is never required to vote. RONR, p. 394

True but after the member has passed for the first time and the roll has been called and it gets back to him couldn't the Chair rule that the member must either vote or abstain? If a member could keep on passing over and over and over again it would seem to be a way for a single member to jam up the process with no way of unjamming it.

[George Mervosh]

Under the rules in RONR, a member is never required to vote. RONR, p. 394

True but after the member has passed for the first time and the roll has been called and it gets back to him couldn't the Chair rule that the member must either vote or abstain? If a member could keep on passing over and over and over again it would seem to be a way for a single member to jam up the process with no way of unjamming it.

Chris I don't think there is much doubt that it's improper to "pass" when there is no one left to be called, so the answer to your question is yes. I'm sorry you misunderstood my first post.

[Rob Elsman]

After the roll has been completely called, the secretary calls the names of those who passed or did not respond, and he also handles any request to change a vote. Thereafter, he prepares the final tabulation for the announcement of the result by the chair. See RONR (10th ed.), p. 407, ll. 407, ll. 1-17.