remorse

[Guest frank wilson]

Our monthly 8 member Board meeting concluded. During the session, a motion to modify action of the organization president (involving interpretation of ambiguously stated policy) did not carry; vote 4 for, 4 opposed. Chair abstained. Next evening, and by email to all members, a member expressed remorse for 'nay' and wish to change vote to 'aye'. Nevertheless, president suspended organizational action that is permissable by the original vote but would not be permitted by a vote if the member's changed vote. What action should chair take at this point?

[Gary Novosielski]

Our monthly 8 member Board meeting concluded. During the session, a motion to modify action of the organization president (involving interpretation of ambiguously stated policy) did not carry; vote 4 for, 4 opposed. Chair abstained. Next evening, and by email to all members, a member expressed remorse for 'nay' and wish to change vote to 'aye'. Nevertheless, president suspended organizational action that is permissable by the original vote but would not be permitted by a vote if the member's changed vote. What action should chair take at this point?

The chair should act according to the vote taken in the meeting, i.e., the vote that defeated the motion. The member cannot change his vote at this late date, regardless of his level of remorse.

At a future meeting, if it still makes sense to do so, the motion can be made again, and he can vote differently.