Luscombag

For me, yes. But since we don't have an established form of election in our By-laws, I'm afraid she will argue that it only applies to ballot elections and since she did a vote viva voce to approve the slate, that she may consider that an election. I also know it seems almost self explanatory, but since there doesn't seem to be a definition of "election" she may try to argue that the viva voce slate approval counts as an election. It specifically states that the President must call for nominations from the floor and I don't see how she can get around that point and on page 252 it says its never too late to take action when the right of individual members have been violated, but I've been playing Devil's Advocate with myself and trying to be prepared for any cockamamie excuse she digs up to keep things as they are. I know it's implied throughout RONR, but if it specifically states the membership are the higher authority or that the officers are subordinate to the members, I can't find it. Again, I'm just trying to expand my arsenal so I am prepared for every possible scenario.

I truly don't know. The President quickly dismissed my concerns, asked the membership to approve the slate and then announced they were the new officers. She has been fighting me and causing much drama and divisiveness. Half of the Executive Committee has been appointed by her and a portion of the other half don't agree with her, but aren't the types to rock the boat. I think if it is completely black and white they will make the correct decision, but if she can cloud their judgement with incorrect information or emotional appeals, I may have to continue to fight this at the next meeting. She has already started to act vindictive towards my wife and won't make eye contact with me, and others believe I am making too big of a deal about this. The President has violated the By-laws and RONR multiple times in the past 12 months and I can't stand idle and watch the organization deteriorate. Most of these members do not understand the purpose or importance of the By-Laws. This is why I need as much information as I can gather.

I have a feeling that the president will try to interpret the word slate as the only form for which the nominations can be presented and may continue with the false information that the Nominating Committee is the only group that can make nominations. Most members and officers do not know RONR well and since I am not on the Executive Committee, I am trying to give my supporters on the EC as much information as possible so they can hold their own against any potential falsehoods presented by the president. I have already mentioned pg 435 and other references, but if you have a place where I can look and see where it explicitly says all members must be able to vote for a person of their choosing for each office, I'd greatly appreciate that information. If you can think of anything else that may help combat this injustice, I am ready to listen. Thank you!

To give an update: According to our By-Laws, if an issue arises we are to submit the issue in writing to the Executive Committee , which I have done and they are meeting this evening to discuss the issue. If they do not rule in a manner that I find appropriate, I can then make a motion at the next meeting and have the membership decide. I have seen on this forum, though I can't seem to find it now, where someone said RONR prohibits the use of a slate in elections. I know its not recommended language, but is it actually prohibited? If so, where in RONR does it state this? I can't find this written anywhere.

I will do this at the next meeting. I thought I had a copy of Robert's Rules, but it turns out it was a lengthy PDF cheat-sheet. I purchased the official 11th Edition today and it is so much more clear. I knew there were things that needed to be changed in our bylaws, but I didn't know how many items were incorrect. Thank all of you for the help! I know the basics of Robert's Rules from union meetings, but I have more to learn than I could have imagined.

I am a member of a school booster organization and at our last regular meeting the Nominating Committee presented their slate of officers for the election. The president sought reelection and was the sole person on the Committee's slate for the office of President, though there was other nominations. The President then quoted part of Robert's Rules regarding a slate for elections, saying typically there is only one nominee per office on the slate. The President then proceeded to say that the Nominating Committee decides the officers and there is no election. This was in our regular meeting in April. I know this is not right, and I voiced my concerns at the time in the meeting, but I did not have Robert's Rules or our By-Laws available at the time. My understanding is that under Robert's Rules the Nominating Committee creates a slate, then additional nominations can be taken from the floor and an election is held. I'm hoping someone can tell me where in Robert's Rules it speaks about this, because I can't seem to find it, and whether or not there is a way I can fix this at the next meeting so an actual election can be held. Below are our By-Laws regarding elections: Section 10.9 Elections Section 10.9.1 Nominating Committee Appointment: A nominating committee shall be appointed by the President at the regular March meeting each year. This committee shall meet before the regular April meeting to put together a slate of nominations from the active membership. Section 10.9.2 Presentation of Officer Nominees: The nominating committee will present their slate to the general membership at the regular April meeting. Nominations may be given to nominating committee no later than one week prior to the regular April meeting. The election of officers shall occur at the regular April meeting. Section 10.9.3 Vote Requirement: A majority vote of the membership present at the regular April meeting shall constitute an election. Section 10.9.4 Assume Office: Newly elected officers shall assume office on June 1; at the beginning of the new School year. Following the election, the incoming officers will serve along with current officers until June 1.