Alternates voting at committee meetings

[Guest Jason]

A committee of five members and two alternates met to vote on a topic. One of the 5 committee members recused himself from the vote. As a result, the first alternate was allowed to vote in his place. However, the constitution and bylaws of the committee state that the alternates are to fill vacancies and do not state they can vote for an absent member or for one that has recused himself. In this situation, should the alternate have been allowed to vote?

Furthermore, alternates were allowed to make motions and second motions. Should this have been allowed?

Thanks

[Rev Ed]

Who knows - this would be up to the organization to decide. As far as RONR is concerned a member is a member. The organization's By-laws, or the motion creating the Comittee, would have to make provisions for alternates.

[jstackpo]

In RONR-land "alternates" are discussed mainly (and all but only) in the context of convention delegates. In that situation, an alternate has no "membership" (in the convention) rights at all unless a delegate goes home for good (or something) and the alternate officially replaces him, actually becoming the full fledged delegate. The "official replacement" task is the job of the credentials committee.

But for committees... RONR has no rules about "alternates" so you are on your own. If you want to argue by analogy, then a alternate to the committee can only vote &c. if one of the original five permanently leaves the committee and the alternate replaces him.

But if you have different rules, follow them.