Filling Vacancy when Bylaws don't set a procedure

[Guest cate804]

Our Treasurer resigned. We have no procedure in our bylaws or policies and procedures for filling vacancies on the Board. However, we note in our Bylaws that we follow RONR, so is there something in there that would cover us for a procedure?

[Chris Harrison]

If the bylaws don't have vacancy filling provisions then whichever body elected the Treasurer would fill the vacancy.

[hmtcastle]

If the bylaws don't have vacancy filling provisions then whichever body elected the Treasurer would fill the vacancy.

In other words, you'll need to hold a special, mid-term, election.

[Guest cate804]

In other words, you'll need to hold a special, mid-term, election.

[Guest cate804]

Thanks to both of you, but to clarify. Even if the Bylaws don't provide for a special election?

[David A Foulkes]

In other words, you'll need to hold a special, mid-term, election.

If no regularly scheduled meetings were forthcoming (until perhaps the AGM several months away) would this election then need to be held at a Special Meeting? (And the bylaws of course needing to authorize such a meeting.)

[hmtcastle]

Thanks to both of you, but to clarify. Even if the Bylaws don't provide for a special election?

Yes, If your bylaws don't provide for special meetings you'll have to wait until the next regular (e.g. monthly) meeting (and you'll need to give notice of the election) but there needn't be any explicit authorization for a mid-term election.

[Josh Martin]

If no regularly scheduled meetings were forthcoming (until perhaps the AGM several months away) would this election then need to be held at a Special Meeting?

It would not be required to call a special meeting, but it certainly seems like a good idea if at all possible. Leaving positions vacant for months is generally undesirable.

Of course, an organization which rarely meets should probably include some other provision in the Bylaws to fill vacancies.

[Rob Elsman]

Our Treasurer resigned. We have no procedure in our bylaws or policies and procedures for filling vacancies on the Board. However, we note in our Bylaws that we follow RONR, so is there something in there that would cover us for a procedure?

If the society has adopted RONR as its parliamentary authority, the regular nomination/election procedure discussed in RONR (10th ed.), §46, pp. 416ff, is followed by the body that originally elected the treasurer. However, note that previous notice of the election is required for validity, p. 279.