[P1800] Approving to move a Standard Draft to ballot

Hi, all,

The question has arisen as to whether or not the Chair of a WG has the ability to vote.  The from the first FAQ on Robert's Rules of Order, the answer is yes.  The language in the P&Ps is consistent with (and repeats) this interpretation:


Question 1:
Is it true that the president can vote only to break a tie?
Answer:
No, it is not true that the president can vote only to break a tie. If the
president is a member of the assembly, he or she has exactly the same rights
and privileges as all other members have, including the right to make motions,
speak in debate and to vote on all questions. However, the impartiality
required of the presiding officer of an assembly (especially a large one)
precludes exercising the right to make motions or debate while presiding, and
also requires refraining from voting except (i) when the vote is by ballot, or
(ii) whenever his or her vote will affect the result.
When will the chair's vote affect the result?
On a vote which is not by ballot, if a majority vote is required and there is a
tie, he or she may vote in the affirmative to cause the motion to prevail. If
there is one more in the affirmative than in the negative, he or she can create
a tie by voting in the negative to cause the motion to fail. Similarly, if a
two-thirds vote is required, he or she may vote either to cause, or to block,
attainment of the necessary two thirds. [RONR (10th ed.), p. 392-93; see also
Table A, p.190 of RONR In Brief.]
 
 
See: http://www.robertsrules.com/faq.html#1
 
 
Thanks,

Karen


      

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