Church name change vote

[Guest Rochelle R.]

We voted previously and selected the top 3 suggested name changes for our church. We understand 2/3 vote is required for constitutional changes. We tallied we needed 25 votes for 2/3rd, 1 name received 12, second 10 and the third 8. What is the next step according to Robert Rules.

Rochelle

[Robert B Fish]

You didn't handle the voting properly. RONR has a neat procedure for handling a motion that has a number of possible choices. It's called creating/filling a blank. You were debating the motion, "Resolved, That (naming the appropriate section of the constitution) shall be amended by striking 'First Church' and inserting _________."

First vote on filling the blank. Suggest names and vote on them in some order. The first to recrive a majority fills the blank. Then, with the blank filled, vote on whether to make the change (2/3 vote required).

E.g. If the three suggestions were 'White Memorial', 'Smith Memorial' and 'Jones Memorial', vote on whether to accept the first suggestion. If 25 was needed for a 2/3 vote, you must have 37 present and voting. Assume 'White Memorial' get 10 for/27 against. Next vote on 'Smith Memorial.' Assume if gets 20 votes. That's a majority and the blank is filled. Then vote on making the change. Assume the vote is 20 yes/17 no. The motion fails and the name remains at First Chruch.

-Bob

[Guest Johnny]

Since they only voted on the top three suggested name changes, then 2/3rds vote would have been 20. There were 30 total votes. I do not believe 25 is their key number unless it is 2/3rds votes of total membership and there are 37 members. Depending on the by-laws, they most likely will need 2/3rds count of those voting, if there was a quorum.

[David A Foulkes]

Assume the vote is 20 yes/17 no. The motion fails and the name remains at First Chruch.

We're lacking sure knowledge of two elements here:

1. Does the constitution provide for amendment requirements as regards voting threshold, or is Rochelle's "understanding" of a 2/3 vote requirement based on a partial understanding of RONR? (i.e. 2/3 with notice, or majority of entire membership without notice)

2. What is the total membership count? (It might actually be 37, as opposed to that number being the count of members present at the meeting, with some absentees.)

The possibility then exists that a vote of 20-17 passes as a majority of the entire membership.

[alanh49]

If the church is incorporated you will need to amend the articles of incorporation (charter) to officially change the name.