Chapter 9 - Robert's Rules of Order, In Brief

A nomination is:

• A formal proposal to the voting body suggesting a particular person to be elected

• Always conducted by secret ballot

• Only open to two people per office

An election by acclamation is:

• One in which all members have voted for one candidate

• One in which only one candidate has been nominated for office

• A voice vote

The two most common forms of nominating candidates for an office are:

• From the floor and by a nominating committee

• From the floor and upon order of the president

• By a nominating committee and upon order of the president

When it appears that everyone who wishes to make a nomination has done so, the chair should:

• Declare the nominations closed

• Suggest other candidates

• Declare the meeting adjourned

Nominating committee members should be chosen by:

• Appointment of the president

• Election of the assembly

• Volunteer basis

Write-in votes:

• May be cast for any eligible person

• Are out of order

• Slow down vote counting

If an elected candidate declines, then:

• The runner up is elected

• The balloting continues until someone willing to accept receives a majority

• The elected candidate can shift their position to someone else

A candidate takes office:

• At the start of the following year

• As soon as his/her election becomes final, or based on a provision in the by-laws

• When they have officially taken their oath

• At the next annual meeting

How are nominations from the floor made?

• A member calls out, “I nominate Mr. X”

• A member is recognized by the chair and states, “I nominate Mr. X”

• A member rises and states, “I nominate Mr. X.” There must be a second

How are nominations from the floor closed?

• A member must make a motion and the group votes on it

• The chair declares the nominations closed by saying, “Nominations are now closed”

• The chair says, “Are there any further nominations? (Pause) If not, nominations are closed.”