Vice chair

[Guest Tara Simmons]

Can I nominate a vice chair if she is absent from the meeting? Can she be voted in as vice chair

[Richard Brown]

Yes, if the rules in RONR are controlling, you can nominate and elect someone to office regardless of whether that person is present when nominated or when elected.  

Although it is generally considered advisable to ascertain whether someone is willing to serve if elected, it is not a requirement in RONR. If someone is elected who is not present or has not consented to serve, the election is still considered valid and binding, unless the person so elected declines to serve immediately upon being notified of the election to office.

Edited August 19, 2024 at 10:36 PM by Richard Brown
Typographical corrections

[Gary Novosielski]

Yes, you can, and yes, she can, if the rules in RONR apply.

While not required (unless your bylaws require it) it may be a good idea to have a statement from this nominee that she would accept the position if elected, which could serve to reassure voters that she is willing to serve.

According to the rules in RONR, if an absent person is elected to office, they have the opportunity to decline the office when they are informed of the fact of their election.  If they do not immediately do so, they are duly elected and the election is complete.