Uncontested electioins

[Guest Heather]

In an uncontested election, must the president vacate the chair to declare the vote taken without ballot?

[Gary Novosielski]

No.  There is no need to leave the chair.

The presiding officer, in the event that there is but one nominee for an office should declare the person elected by acclamation.  

If, however, the bylaws required a ballot vote for elections, and do not provide an exception for uncontested elections, then a ballot vote must be held, even if there is but a single name on it.  As with all ballots, a line should be provided for write-ins.  This rule cannot be suspended even by a unanimous vote.

Edited September 18, 2019 at 12:53 AM by Gary Novosielski

[Josh Martin]

13 hours ago, Guest Heather said:

In an uncontested election, must the president vacate the chair to declare the vote taken without ballot?

No, and in fact, there is no need for the President to vacate the chair even if the election is contested (assuming the President does not speak in debate on the election).

”Whenever a motion is made that refers only to the presiding officer in a capacity not shared in common with other members, or that commends or censures him with others, he should turn the chair over to the vice-president or appropriate temporary occupant (see below) during the assembly's consideration of that motion, just as he would in a case where he wishes to take part in debate (see also pp. 394–95). The chair, however, should not hesitate to put the question on a motion to elect officers or appoint delegates or a committee even if he is included.” (RONR, 11th ed., pgs. 451-452)

Edited September 18, 2019 at 01:50 PM by Josh Martin