dorchester-a Posted February 8, 2011 at 04:48 PM Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 04:48 PM I need to know whether the word, "Ballot", automatically implies secret voting (by definition).I know that elections are usually done by ballot. My question pertains to voting on a motion to choose a contractor from a list of six contractors. This is in an assembly where the members are elected representatives. The bylaws do not require a ballot for selection of a contractor.Would there be a better word than "Ballot" to use in this situation, where the voting is open and the results are made immediately public? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Mervosh Posted February 8, 2011 at 05:15 PM Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 05:15 PM Yes, a ballot vote under the rules in RONR is a secret vote.Maybe this is what you're getting at, who knows:"Taking a vote by roll call (or by yeas and nays, as it is also called) has the effect of placing on the record how each member or, sometimes each delegation, votes; therefore, it has exactly the opposite effect of a ballot vote. It is usually confined to representative bodies, where the proceedings are published, since it enables constituents to know how their representatives voted on certain measures. It should not be used in a mass meeting or in any assembly whose members are not responsible to a constituency." RONR, p. 405 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Elsman Posted February 8, 2011 at 06:16 PM Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 06:16 PM I need to know whether the word, "Ballot", automatically implies secret voting (by definition).I know that elections are usually done by ballot. My question pertains to voting on a motion to choose a contractor from a list of six contractors. This is in an assembly where the members are elected representatives. The bylaws do not require a ballot for selection of a contractor.Would there be a better word than "Ballot" to use in this situation, where the voting is open and the results are made immediately public?When "ballot" is used without qualification, it is usually understood to mean a secret ballot. A roll call vote can be taken to record the votes of individual members when the results are to be made available to an interested constituency. In very large assemblies, a signed ballot can replace a roll call vote to avoid spending the time it takes to call the roll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorchester-a Posted February 8, 2011 at 08:06 PM Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 08:06 PM The statement from the board which accompanies the motion reads, "The vote will be conducted by ballot voted by the Member Association representative in attendance and representing their Association at.the Special Meeting." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstackpo Posted February 8, 2011 at 08:11 PM Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 08:11 PM The "Member Association representative in attendance" are free, by majority vote, to decide for themselves just how (voice, show of hands, secret ballot, roll call, whatever) the vote will be conducted - RONR, p. 273 ff.The board cannot dictate this in advance (presuming these is no rule that says they can, of course). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorchester-a Posted February 8, 2011 at 08:38 PM Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 08:38 PM Thanks to both of you for this information.It gives credence to my personal opinion based on some research of the rules of order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorchester-a Posted February 8, 2011 at 09:30 PM Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 09:30 PM I haven't found this topic addressed in the rules: Would a motion to vote by ballot, after that motion is seconded, be debatable? I understand that passage would require a majority in a "yea/nay" vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorchester-a Posted February 8, 2011 at 09:37 PM Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 09:37 PM I found the answer:"Where the by-laws do not require the vote to be by ballot, it can be so ordered by a majority vote, or by general consent. Such motions are undebatable" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tctheatc Posted February 8, 2011 at 10:13 PM Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 at 10:13 PM I believe that depends on what class of motion it is. see the tables on pp 28-29 (grey section) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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