The Intrinsically Irrelevant Negative Vote
By Lorenzo R. Cuesta, PRP
Robert’s Rules requires that “the chair must always call for the negative vote, no matter how nearly unanimous the affirmative vote may appear.” RONR (12th ed.) 4:35. But there are several situations where calling for the negative vote is not only unnecessary but actually illogical. 1. “Intrinsically Irrelevant” Negative Vote: Robert’s words, RONR (12th ed.) 4:35. Sometimes one comes across a situation that has strict requirements before a certain action may be taken. A good example of this is the requirement of a notice, by a prescribed time, in order to consider a bylaw amendment during a convention. However, under urgent situations, the convention standing rules may allow the action to be taken, even in the absence of compliance with the notice requirement, if a specified number of members propose or second the motion. A vote to consider the bylaw amendment would not require the taking of the negative vote when the specified number of members proposing the consideration exists and the number is thus sufficient to comply with the convention standing rule requirement. The negative vote would be intrinsically irrelevant. RONR (12th ed.) 4:35. 2. A Negative Vote on a Resignation: Robert is very clear about an association’s power relative to a resignation. “A member in good standing with his dues paid cannot be compelled to continue his membership...” RONR (12th ed.) 32:8. So, if an association rejects a member’s resignation, does it expect the member to continue attending the association’s meetings and complying with the association’s objectives? No. If an association rejects a member’s resignation, even if the member is in arrears, the best the association can hope for is to punish the member with expulsion. So, a motion to accept a resignation is merely an authorization to the appropriate entity to commence the procedure for filling a vacancy. It is not really a situation seeking an approval. A negative vote would be intrinsically irrelevant. www.parliamentarians.org 15
