HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 13 2001 Michelle Sandback ltr to Commission Chair re roll call voteJuly 13, 2001
Mr. Chairman,
As you know, at the July 12th, 2001 Charter Commission meeting, one of the members called for a Roll-Call vote on a pending
motion. Also, I believe you and all other members present, understood I had serious concerns with the intent of taking this
vote by roll-call, hence my hesitation in voting.
It is my request that the results of the Roll-Call vote on this matter be eliminated and stricken from the minutes with regards to
this and the vote be recorded as a show of hands vote. I would like to quote Robert’s Rules, Newly Revised edition, 2000,
pages 405-408:
ROLL-CALL VOTE. Taking a vote by roll call (or by yeas and nays, as it is also called) has the effect of placing on the
record how each member or, sometimes each delegation, votes; therefore, it has exactly the opposite effect of a ballot
vote. It is usually confined to representative bodies, where the proceedings are published, since it enables constituents
to know how their representatives voted on certain measures. It should not be used in a mass meeting or in any
assembly whose members are not responsible to a constituency.
*It should not be used in a mass meeting or in any assembly whose members are not responsible to a constituency.
---Are we responsible to a constituency? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe we are.
Ordering a Roll-Call Vote. In a representative body, if there is no legal or constitutional provision specifying the size of
the minority that can order a roll-call vote, the body should adopt a rule fixing the size of such a minority—for
example, one fifth of those present, as in Congress, or some other portion of those present that is less than a majority. In
the absence of such a special rule, majority vote is required to order the taking of a vote by roll call—in which case a
motion to do so is likely to be useless, since its purpose is to force the majority to go on record. In local societies having
a large membership but relatively small attendance at meetings, a motion to take a vote by roll call is generally dilatory.
It is in order, as one of the Motions Relating to Methods of Voting, however, to move “that a signed ballot be taken by
tellers;” and if such a vote is ordered, the voter writes “yes” or “no” on the ballot and signs it. The votes can be
recorded in the minutes just as a roll call would be, but the names of all members need not be called. A roll-call vote
cannot be ordered in committee of the whole.
*In the absence of such a special rule, majority vote is required to order the taking of a vote by roll call—in which case a
motion to do so is likely to be useless, since its purpose is to force the majority to go on record.
---We do not have a special rule for the taking of roll-call votes, therefore a majority vote is required to order the taking of a
vote by roll call.
---I find the phrase: “in which case a motion to do so is likely to be useless, since its purpose is to force the majority to go on
record,” to be highly opinionated concerning the vote we took tonight by roll-call. I find it quite clear that the person who
requested a roll-call vote on this issue, called it for other reasons not germane to the question at hand, considering the vote was
close and contentious for reasons not including the intent of the meeting that was so motioned to.
*In local societies having a large membership but relatively small attendance at meetings, a motion to take a vote by roll call is
generally dilatory.
---“a motion to take a vote by roll-call is generally dilatory.” Clearly the efforts of the person who requested the roll-call vote
was not to be dilatory, so then, I ask, “Why was a roll-call vote requested?”
In addition, according to our by-laws: “The votes on resolutions, unless unanimous, shall state the number of “ayes,” “nays,”
and “abstentions.” When a quorum is in attendance, action may be taken by the Commission upon a vote of the majority of the
members present unless another provision of these by-laws specifically states otherwise.”
Therefore, considering that this motion was not even a resolution, the mere number of “ayes”, “nays”, and “abstentions” need
not be recorded, much less a roll-call vote. I will accept, however, the secretary’s request of a show of hands on close votes, as
this was. I do, however, take exception to a roll-call vote on this especially without a motion formally requested and approved
by the assembly for such an action.
Thank you,
Michele Sandback