Votes in an executive session

[Guest Paul]

If a board convenes an executive session and passes motions in that session, are the specific votes of each member kept secret?

Our board had one and I want to know how each member voted as it will likely have an impact on who gets my vote at the next election. Thanks in advance.

[hmtcastle]

If a board convenes an executive session and passes motions in that session, are the specific votes of each member kept secret?

Our board had one and I want to know how each member voted as it will likely have an impact on who gets my vote at the next election. Thanks in advance.

How each member voted is only recorded for a roll-call vote. Whether the meeting was held in executive session is immaterial. If it was a roll-call vote, the details go into the minutes which are available to all board members and, if so ordered, can be read at a meeting of the general membership.

[Josh Martin]

If a board convenes an executive session and passes motions in that session, are the specific votes of each member kept secret?

Everything that happens in executive session is kept secret, unless the board decides otherwise, although the membership may order the minutes to be read. The minutes would only record the votes if the vote was taken by roll call (which seems unlikely).

How each member voted is only recorded for a roll-call vote. Whether the meeting was held in executive session is immaterial. If it was a roll-call vote, the details go into the minutes which are available to all board members and, if so ordered, can be read at a meeting of the general membership.

I think the fact that the meeting was in executive session does make a difference. If the meeting was not held in executive session, a board member could disclose how he voted (and possibly even how others voted, if the vote was not taken by ballot). Since the meeting was held in executive session, that is not an option.

[Rob Elsman]

Yes. In general, a non-member of the executive board does not have the individual right to inspect the minutes of the board's meetings. See RONR (10th ed.), p. 92, l. 34, through p. 93, l. 3; p. 470, ll. 3-10.

[hmtcastle]

I think the fact that the meeting was in executive session does make a difference. If the meeting was not held in executive session, a board member could disclose how he voted (and possibly even how others voted, if the vote was not taken by ballot). Since the meeting was held in executive session, that is not an option.

Yes indeed. I should have been clearer.

[Guest Greg F]

On our board we put in the by-laws no-voting in executive session to much room for abuse of power

[Rob Elsman]

On our board we put in the by-laws no-voting in executive session to much room for abuse of power

If the board has the power to take disciplinary actions for offenses committed during a meeting, such a bylaw is a big mistake. I recommend that the bylaw be rescinded.

[Guest T. Goodman]

If the executive board has voted on a new rule shold it still be taken to the general body for a final vote?

[STA]

If the executive board has voted on a new rule shold it still be taken to the general body for a final vote?

If your bylaws give the Executive Board exclusive [or full] authority in this particular matter, no further vote is needed. If not, the assembly has final authority.