Voting to fill several vacancies

[Guest Robert Feinerman]

In an election to fill 4 seats on the Board of Directors, must one vote for 4 or can one vote for 1 or 2 or 3? If someone votes for 2 is the ballot thrown out?

[Chris Harrison]

RONR p. 407 ll. 12-19 says, "Although it is the duty of every member who has an opinion on a question to express it by his vote, he can abstain, since he cannot be compelled to vote. By the same token, when an office or position is to be filled by a number of members, as in the case of a committee, or positions on a board, a member may partially abstain by voting for less than all of those for whom he is entitled to vote."

[Rev Ed]

In 'plain English' you can vote for no candidates, one candidate, two candidates, three candidates, or four candidates if there are four positions up for election.

[Edgar Guest]

In 'plain English' you can vote for no candidates . . .

 

I think that's abstaining, not voting.

[Gary Novosielski]

I think that's abstaining, not voting.

 

So there's a difference between voting for no candidates, and not voting for any candidates? 

[Edgar Guest]

So there's a difference between voting for no candidates, and not voting for any candidates? 

 

No, there's no difference.

[Guest Nancy N.]

Darn, I thought I was going to win this time.