Rheannon Posted March 31, 2020 at 10:41 PM Report Share Posted March 31, 2020 at 10:41 PM Hi, We are trying to find out if according to Roberts Rules a husband and wife are both allowed to serve on the same board? I know that each board may have it’s own specific rules, and the only one that we on this subject says that members or households that have multiple lots can only have one vote at an AGM. But I have seen on other boards where they have that same rule when it comes to spouses but they are allowed to still have separate votes on a board meeting which could be a little confusing. We try to follow Roberts Rules for the most part and would like to see if there is anything specific on this topic. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Goodwiller, PRP Posted March 31, 2020 at 10:51 PM Report Share Posted March 31, 2020 at 10:51 PM There is no rule in Robert's Rules against family members serving together on the same board. That is completely a matter for associations to decide for themselves based on their circumstances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Novosielski Posted April 1, 2020 at 02:32 AM Report Share Posted April 1, 2020 at 02:32 AM 3 hours ago, Rheannon said: Hi, We are trying to find out if according to Roberts Rules a husband and wife are both allowed to serve on the same board? I know that each board may have it’s own specific rules, and the only one that we on this subject says that members or households that have multiple lots can only have one vote at an AGM. But I have seen on other boards where they have that same rule when it comes to spouses but they are allowed to still have separate votes on a board meeting which could be a little confusing. We try to follow Roberts Rules for the most part and would like to see if there is anything specific on this topic. Thanks! No there isn't any rule against it. RONR assumes that if the voters don't like it they will not vote to put both of them on the board together. But if the voters do like it, RONR has no objection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Conflicted Posted August 25, 2023 at 03:41 AM Report Share Posted August 25, 2023 at 03:41 AM What is the spouse is a board member and there is a board nominated position that is then presented to membership or shareholders to for on that board nominee. Is it best practice for the spouse on the board to remain in the nomination process and vote to nominate their spouse? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Martin Posted August 25, 2023 at 09:26 AM Report Share Posted August 25, 2023 at 09:26 AM (edited) On 8/24/2023 at 10:41 PM, Guest Conflicted said: What is the spouse is a board member and there is a board nominated position that is then presented to membership or shareholders to for on that board nominee. Is it best practice for the spouse on the board to remain in the nomination process and vote to nominate their spouse? RONR does not address spouses specifically, in any context. RONR does say that a member who has a "personal or pecuniary interest" in a matter should refrain from voting on the issue, however, the member ultimately has a right to vote and cannot be compelled to abstain. Certainly, the "personal interest" could be applicable when a member's spouse is the subject of a motion. RONR also notes, however, that this rule is inapplicable when electing positions for which members are generally eligible, and in that situation members should even feel free to vote for themselves, so in that circumstance I imagine a member should also feel free to vote for their spouse. "No member should vote on a question in which he has a direct personal or pecuniary interest not common to other members of the organization. For example, if a motion proposes that the organization enter into a contract with a commercial firm of which a member of the organization is an officer and from which contract he would derive personal pecuniary profit, the member should abstain from voting on the motion. However, no member can be compelled to refrain from voting in such circumstances. The rule on abstaining from voting on a question of direct personal interest does not mean that a member should not vote for himself for an office or other position to which members generally are eligible, or should not vote when other members are included with him in a motion. If a member never voted on a question affecting himself, it would be impossible for a society to vote to hold a banquet, or for the majority to prevent a small minority from preferring charges against them and suspending or expelling them (61, 63)." RONR (12th ed.) 45:4-5 How these rules apply in a particular situation will ultimately be a judgment call for a member to make. Finally, some organizations are bound by other rules on these matters, either in their own bylaws and/or in applicable law. Such rules will take precedence over RONR. Edited August 25, 2023 at 09:27 AM by Josh Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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