Election and Succession of Board Chair

[Guest LK]

The organization's by-laws require the election of a board chair every two years. The by-laws say nothing about having a board chair serve until his/her successor is appointed. The board is evenly split on two candidates for the new board chair, so there is a tie vote. Does the previous (sitting) board chair continue in office? The vice chair cannot assume the presidency because his/her term is also limited to two years.

[George Mervosh]

If the 2 year term is up, no. See RONR, pp. 556-557.

[Guest lk]

If the 2 year term is up, no. See RONR, pp. 556-557.

[Guest LK]

Then who assumes the position of chair? Or does it just remain vacant?

[Kim Goldsworthy]

Then who assumes the position of chair? Or does it just remain vacant?

It depends.

The wording of the defined term of office is crucial.

• It is possible that your rule is written in such a way as to be calendar specific, so that when the final day of the term of office arrives, the sitting officer is instantly and automatically out.

• Or, your rule might be written to allow the sitting officer to continue.

Thus, someone must READ YOUR RULES and interpret your rules.

[hmtcastle]

Then who assumes the position of chair? Or does it just remain vacant?

With a tie vote, you have what's known as an incomplete election. Keep voting until someone is elected. In the meantime, at each meeting a chair pro tem (a temporary chair) can be elected to preside. Although if you can agree on who should be the chair pro tem, you might as well elect him as chair.

[Gary Novosielski]

Then who assumes the position of chair? Or does it just remain vacant?

You have to fill the position.

Keep voting until someone wins. Eventually someone will get tired of it and switch. Or some voter will go home, or to the bathroom.

(Bring free coffee for everyone, and have your side only pretend to drink it.)