Deb Parm Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:02 PM Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:02 PM I have a board member telling me that since she made the motion, her vote is automatically in favor. I am pretty sure that isn't right, but I can't find anything in Robert's Rules to back me up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Mervosh Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:05 PM Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:05 PM (edited) 7 minutes ago, Deb Parm said: I have a board member telling me that since she made the motion, her vote is automatically in favor. I am pretty sure that isn't right, but I can't find anything in Robert's Rules to back me up. "REFRAINING FROM SPEAKING AGAINST ONE'S OWN MOTION. In debate, the maker of a motion, while he can vote against it, is not allowed to speak against his own motion. He need not speak at all, but if he does he is obliged to take a favorable position. If he changes his mind while the motion he made is pending, he can, in effect, advise the assembly of this by asking permission to withdraw the motion (pp. 295–97)." RONR (11th ed.), p. 393 emphasis added by me. She may also abstain. Edited October 2, 2019 at 02:10 PM by George Mervosh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weldon Merritt Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:16 PM Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:16 PM A good tactic when someone makes a claim that doesn't sound right is to ask them to show you the rule that supports their claim, rather than you tryimg to find a rule to refute it. The burden of proof should be on the person making the claim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Parm Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:19 PM Author Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:19 PM I just want to have this clear in my mind. I am wrong, and the member making the motion doesn't need to actually vote and it is assumed to be a 'yes' vote? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Mervosh Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:21 PM Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 02:21 PM Just now, Deb Parm said: I just want to have this clear in my mind. I am wrong, and the member making the motion doesn't need to actually vote and it is assumed to be a 'yes' vote? Your initial thoughts were correct. The member making the motion can vote in favor of it, against it, or not at all. They just can't speak against their own motion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Harrison Posted October 2, 2019 at 03:08 PM Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 03:08 PM 39 minutes ago, Deb Parm said: it is assumed to be a 'yes' vote? Well, you know what it means when you assume something. I wouldn't make that assumption. First, there may be cases where everyone is against the motion but it is necessary for someone to make the motion so the assembly can go on record in overwhelmingly voting it down. Also, while the member may originally be in favor of the motion through debate he or she may be convinced the motion isn't such a good idea after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Martin Posted October 2, 2019 at 04:59 PM Report Share Posted October 2, 2019 at 04:59 PM 2 hours ago, Deb Parm said: I just want to have this clear in my mind. I am wrong, and the member making the motion doesn't need to actually vote and it is assumed to be a 'yes' vote? No member’s vote is “assumed.” Their vote is however they actually vote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Novosielski Posted October 4, 2019 at 10:31 PM Report Share Posted October 4, 2019 at 10:31 PM On 10/2/2019 at 10:02 AM, Deb Parm said: I am pretty sure that isn't right.... I'm absolutely certain she isn't right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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