No vote of confidence

[Lori Sweet]

I understand that RONR does not give support/advice for a "no vote of confidence", but that if it comes up it's a "main motion".  Is this motion amendable?  If it comes to the floor at convention, is it a majority vote or a 2/3 vote?  Some help and guidance on this is most appreciated!

[Edgar Guest]

RONR notes (p.137) that a motion to commend someone can be amended into a motion to censure that person. So I'd say your "no confidence" motion is an ordinary main motion: amendable, debatable, and requiring only a majority vote for adoption.

 

See FAQ #7.

[Rev Ed]

The motion require a majority vote to approve as it would be a main motion.  However, unless the By-laws state otherwise, the motion has no power - other then to indicate that the body has no confidence in a particulate group or individual, it does not cause anyone to be removed from office (unlike legislatures operating under the Westminster System where a motion of no confidence would lead to an election or the opposition forming the a new government.)

[Lori Sweet]

But this is a way to let leadership know that their actions.etc are not supported by the voting delegates - correct?  Is there a better way to do this without removal?  Removal of officers is such a nasty process and things are already very contentious.

[Edgar Guest]

Is there a better way to do this without removal?

Wait until their terms are up and elect someone else.

[Lori Sweet]

Indeed, but so very difficult especially with 2 year terms.

[jstackpo]

Move to Censure them - that motion is clearly in RONR  Lots of references on p. 677.

[Lori Sweet]

Ok.  Will take a look at that now.  Thank you!

[Rev Ed]

But this is a way to let leadership know that their actions.etc are not supported by the voting delegates - correct?  Is there a better way to do this without removal?  Removal of officers is such a nasty process and things are already very contentious.

 

Either elect someone new when their terms expire or remove them.  A vote of no confidence or censure are both meaningless unless the By-laws require action (such as forcing them to resign.)  Either no confidence or censure will let the Board know of the general membership's displeasure but that is about it.

[Gary Novosielski]

I'd note that a no-confidence motion is often just that,  a motion that the body has no-confidence in Elmer Fudd.

 

A censure resolution (it's worthy of a little dressing up) typically states the precise acts (in Whereas clauses) for which the censure is imposed.  If you're trying to send a message, that's likely to be the clearer message.

 

There's no reason the two couldn't be effectively reversed, it's just been my experience that censure resolutions are a clearer message.

[Lori Sweet]

Thank you gentlemen.  Will seriously consider censure.  I believe we would have the delegate support to do this.