Contested Election

[Guest quandryLady]

Our district PTA is having a contested election and the executive board has become divided and some members angry. Two of the exec board members are running for same position. Pres of association is in charge of elections and has obviously chosen sides. The exec comm is trying to make sure things are done properly, but pres will not even communicate at this point. She has sent notification to our local units that they must bring their membership card to vote, which is fine, except that there are some units that have not given out their membership cards yet. We are getting phone calls from those wishing to vote but cannot because they do not have a card. We tried to suggest that membership rolls be available to check against state issued picture ID, but were told that the written policy stating that should be done in our state resource guide only applies to local units, not the district. Is there something in Robert's Rules that would insure that all those that wish to vote may do so?

This is from the State PTA Resource Guide 2010/2011

Secretary’s Section

· Has on hand for reference at each meeting:

– minute book

– the agenda

– a copy of the most current and approved bylaws and standing rules

– calendar

– the minutes of previous meetings

– a list of standing and special committees, including the names of members.

– a membership list. For board meetings, a list of board members is needed and for general membership meetings, a list of all members is necessary. The membership list should be maintained by the membership chair or committee.

– a copy of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (RONR)

– blank paper for ballots

– motion forms (see forms section)

Nominating Committee and Elections Section

Contested Election

· It is necessary to verify who is a member prior to conducting a contested election. Use the membership roster and/or check membership cards.

From District Bylaws

Article XII: General Membership

Section 2. Each member local PTA in good standing shall be eligible to be represented by one delegate for each twenty-five (25) members or major fraction there of as of the current official membership report on file with the district first vice president fifteen (15) days prior to any meeting. Each delegate must be present to cast his/her vote.

[Tim Wynn]

Is there something in Robert's Rules that would insure that all those that wish to vote may do so?

According to RONR, all members of the body that is meeting have a right to vote. RONR does not give the president the authority to create additional requirements for voting.

[Guest quandryLady]

According to RONR, all members of the body that is meeting have a right to vote. RONR does not give the president the authority to create additional requirements for voting.

Thank you.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

She [president] has sent notification to our local units that they must bring their membership card to vote ...

There is your problem.

• There is no rule in Robert's Rules which requires membership cards.

• There is no rule in Robert's Rules which grants a president the power to impose the requirement of showing membership cards.

... except that there are some units that have not given out their membership cards yet.

Good news.

There is no need for membership cards.

Countless organizations do their elections without membership cards.

For them, a roster is sufficient. For others, a sign-in sheet is sufficient. For others, an oral confirmation of their home "unit" or "local" is sufficient.