Need for Vote on Nominations

[Guest Anne Wilmoth]

The Council was provided with ample time to submit names for Chair and Vice Chair positions. One name was submitted for the chair position and one (different name) submitted for Vice Chair. This group generally does not use Roberts Rules but now is uncertain if a an official election with vote needs to take place since only one person was submitted for each position. Thank you for your help.

[Robert B Fish]

This group generally does not use Roberts Rules

If your group has adopted RONR as its parliamentary authority, then those rules ARE binding, even if they usually conduct meetings in a more relaxed format. If they have no parliamentary authority or have adopted some other authority, then the rules in RONR might be helpful but not binding.

now is uncertain if a an official election with vote needs to take place since only one person was submitted for each position. Thank you for your help.

If there is only one candidate nominated per open position, the chairman can put the matter to a vote or he/she declare those candidates to have been elected. Note that a vote is not for/against the sole candidate but only voting FOR him. (Hence election is assured.)

In an unopposed election, the only way to defeat a particular candidate is to elect someone else.

-Bob

[hmtcastle]

If there is only one candidate nominated per open position, the chairman can put the matter to a vote or he/she declare those candidates to have been elected.

Unless the bylaws require a ballot (p.428) as, for example, the sample bylaws in RONR do.

[Josh Martin]

Note that a vote is not for/against the sole candidate but only voting FOR him. (Hence election is assured.)

I do not believe this statement is correct. If the chair conducts the election by voice vote (which is not recommended), the chair should take the affirmative and the negative vote. If the vote is taken by ballot or roll call, members may vote for any eligible person. The best course of action would be for the chair to declare the candidate elected by acclamation, unless a ballot or roll call vote is required by rule or ordered by the assembly. If a voice vote is (unwisely) taken, however, this does not ensure victory.

[Guest Anne Wilmoth]

The Council was provided with ample time to submit names for Chair and Vice Chair positions. One name was submitted for the chair position and one (different name) submitted for Vice Chair. This group generally does not use Roberts Rules but now is uncertain if a an official election with vote needs to take place since only one person was submitted for each position. Thank you for your help.