Open or Secret Voting

[Guest Richard Crane]

For elections of officers, our Bylaws provide that "Voting shall be either by voice vote or secret ballot." There is nothing further relating to how that choice is made. Is the President allowed to make the choice, or must it be up to the voting members? As the outgoing President, I would like to opt towards having a secret ballot. Absent anything in our Bylaws to the contrary, may I make that decision?

Thanks

[jstackpo]

Unfortunately, your bylaws are (yet another) example of the problem of using the passive voice to describe some action. They, as quoted, fail to say who makes the decision.

Presuming there is nothing else related to this matter in your bylaws, the best bet is to put it to a vote - majority decides. This follows the RONR standard rule that deciding to have a ballot vote on any issue (the default is a voice vote) is a majority decision -- see pp. 273 ff.

[hmtcastle]

. . . the best bet is to put it to a vote - majority decides.

Even better would be to amend the bylaws to require a ballot vote for elections, which is the method suggested by RONR. As outgoing president, this would be a great legacy for Mr. Crane to leave his organization.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

Is the President allowed to make the choice?

No. Not per Robert's Rules of Order.

However, via unanimous consent / general consent, a chair can have significant influence.

But, to repeat, the decision is not unilateral. Consent of the members is still necessary.

No ramrod. No railroad.

Must it be up to the voting members?

Yes.

A motion can be made. Needs a second. Needs a majority vote.

***

Pretty simple, eh?

(That's Canadian for "Pretty Simple.")