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Answer to Mind Bender for
October 2006:
All references are to
RONR
10th ed
Question: A vote
is taken on a motion and the motion passes. Who is responsible for seeing
that the effects of the passed motion are executed? Can the presiding
officer 'sit' on the results of the vote, taking no action, with the hope
that a future vote will overturn the vote just taken?
Answer: Refer to
Robert's Rules of
Order Newly Revised (RONR), 10th edition, p. 440. In many organizations, the
president has administrative duties that are unrelated to parliamentary law,
but the president only has such authority as the bylaws provide. Your bylaws
may authorize the president to assume responsibility for certain things
outside of meetings, but your bylaws may instead give such responsibility to
an Executive Secretary or some other individual.
Generally speaking, when a motion is
adopted, instructions are given in regard to the action to be taken. For
example, suppose a motion is adopted that the association purchase a new
computer. At that time it may be advisable to authorize some member to take
responsibility for that task. Otherwise, things may not get done if
everybody thinks someone else will be taking care of it.
It is the duty of the presiding officer
to make a COMPLETE announcement of the results of each vote. Refer to
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), 10th edition, p. 46, in
particular step number three.
"...the chair's announcement of the
result of the vote should include the following:
1) Report of the voting itself, stating which side 'has it'...
2) Declaration that the motion is adopted or lost.
3) STATEMENT INDICATING THE EFFECT OF THE VOTE, OR ORDERING ITS EXECUTION,
IF NEEDED OR APPROPRIATE....
4) Where applicable, announcement of the next item of business...."
For example:
CHAIR: The question is on the adoption of the motion that the Club purchase
a one-year certificate of deposit in the amount of $2,000. Those in favor,
say 'aye.' [pause] . . . Those opposed to the motion, say 'no.' [pause] . .
. The 'ayes' have it and the motion is adopted. The Treasurer will write a
check in the amount of $2,000 and the Secretary will prepare a cover letter
and mail it to the First National Bank. Is there further new business?
If the chairman doesn't order the
execution of the vote, it is the responsibility of the members to call the
assembly's attention to that fact by raising a Point of Order. When the
rules are not being followed, it is every member's right to insist on their
enforcement.
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