Deb Parm Posted January 23, 2024 at 03:43 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2024 at 03:43 PM 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Lages Posted January 23, 2024 at 03:48 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2024 at 03:48 PM 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Martin Posted January 23, 2024 at 05:47 PM Report Share Posted January 23, 2024 at 05:47 PM 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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