Nominated Candidates Speaking

[Deb Parm]

Once the nominating committee makes it's report and the floor is opened to further nominations, can the candidates speak to the chapter prior to the vote. A very heated debate occurred at our last election as some said it was allowed, others said it was similar to calling for the vote and no further discussion is allowed. I can't find anything in Roberts Rules that addresses this. As election time is drawing near, what is the correct answer?

[Bruce Lages]

Nominations are indeed debatable, and nothing in RONR would preclude the nominees themselves from participating in that debate. See RONR, 12th ed. 46:27-29 for what is said about debate on nominations.

[Josh Martin]

On 1/23/2024 at 9:43 AM, Deb Parm said:

Once the nominating committee makes it's report and the floor is opened to further nominations, can the candidates speak to the chapter prior to the vote.

Yes - and it’s not limited to the candidates.

“In large conventions, nominations are sometimes accompanied by a speech advocating the nominee’s election. The nomination may then be seconded by one or more members also making speeches. In ordinary societies, however, such speeches are less common.

To give a nominating or seconding speech, a member must first be recognized by the chair while the floor is open for nominations. The member may then nominate a candidate and, without waiting for the chair to state the nomination, speak in favor of the candidate, or he or she may speak in favor of a candidate who was nominated previously. If candidates are members of the organization, speakers must exercise caution to avoid making any personal criticisms of them in debate. Rather than attacking a nominee, a speaker may advocate the election of a rival candidate. By a two-thirds vote, the assembly may adopt a motion limiting debate to any extent desired (15).

Some organizations adopt rules specifying that debate on nominations be conducted at a different time or in a different manner. Such a rule might, for example, allot each candidate (or his or her designee) equal time to state the candidate’s credentials and to argue for the candidate’s election.“ RONR (12th ed.) 46:27-29