Robert's Rules of Order on Voting

From: David W. Smith (david.smith@synopsys.com)
Date: Mon Aug 25 2003 - 14:03:47 PDT

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    Greetings,
    Since this came up in the meeting today I would like to clarify the
    statement on majority vote:

    1. The definition of majority vote - the basic requirement is defined in
    Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition) Paragraph 44 page 387
    lines 5-15. It states that majority vote is more than half of the votes cast
    by persons legally entitled to vote, excluding blanks or abstentions, at a
    regular or properly called meeting at which a quorum is present.

    2. Modifications of Usual Bases for Decision on page 389 lines 20-30
    describe other possible definitions for a majority vote including "a
    majority of the members present". It then goes on to discuss the
    ramifications of such a rule in lines 13-24. This particular modification
    has the effect of making sure that any yes votes are by at least half of the
    eligible members present, at a regular or properly called meeting for which
    a quorum is present, in favor of the agreement.

    So, both voting standards (plus a number of others are acceptable under
    Robert's Rules of Order. The SystemVerilog committees chose the more
    conservative approach to make sure that we had sufficient support for a
    motion to be passed. For example. If there are 10 members present, 2 say
    yes, 1 say no, and 7 abstain then it would fail under item two above but
    pass under the "basic" requirement in item 1. When dealing with small groups
    of people we felt it would be better to have the majority of those present
    as opposed to just those voting yes/no otherwise the intent of the committee
    would not be clear.

    Another ccouple of comments:

    1. Robert's Rules of Order require that the rules be defined for an
    organization before any votes can take place. Clearly, since we could not
    decide what the outcome of the vote was, the rules were not defined and the
    outcome cannot be decided after the fact. The particular topic is not
    important but the process is.

    2. Robert's Rules of Order require that a quorum be present. This means that
    a quorum must be defined for the "basic" requirement to be met.

    So, in summary, please understand that the reason I am sending this email is
    not to cause disruption but to encourage the 1364 committee to define its
    operating rules clearly and in a public place so that it does not have to
    spend time in meetings deciding what the rules are (after the fact).

    Regards
    David

    David W. Smith
    Synopsys Scientist

    Synopsys, Inc.
    Synopsys Technology Park
    2025 NW Cornelius Pass Road
    Hillsboro, OR 97124

    Voice: 503.547.6467
    Main: 503.547.6000
    FAX: 503.547.6906
    Email: david.smith@synopsys.com
    http://www.synopsys.com

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