Temporary Chairman

[Guest Milliemom]

I serve on a Quorum Court , and the presiding officer, the county judge, was absent. We voted on one of the justices of the peace to temporarily chair the court. Does that justice lose his right to vote at that meeting?

[David A Foulkes]

According to RONR, the presiding officer does not lose his right to vote by virtue of his position but in an attempt to maintain the appearance of impartiality, does not vote with two exceptions: If his vote will affect the result , or if the vote is by ballot. He is not obligated to vote in either case, however. Your rules (in Arkansas?) may be different. Check your governing documents for other insight, and keep checking back for replies from the esteemed panel here.

[Gary Novosielski]

I serve on a Quorum Court , and the presiding officer, the county judge, was absent. We voted on one of the justices of the peace to temporarily chair the court. Does that justice lose his right to vote at that meeting?

No. If the presiding officer customarily does not vote, however, the chair pro tem probably should not either. But as a right of membership, the right to vote is not lost.

[Chris Harrison]

I serve on a Quorum Court , and the presiding officer, the county judge, was absent. We voted on one of the justices of the peace to temporarily chair the court. Does that justice lose his right to vote at that meeting?

He doesn't lose the right to vote but as Chair he shouldn't vote with a few exceptions. See FAQ #1 for details.