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How do we handle a Chairman from stopping a roll call for yes or no to ask if the board member understood the question because he knew that the person agreed to vote the other way
Dear George,
I do not understand why a board is taking a roll call vote. A roll call vote is used when people want to have in the minutes who voted which way. A roll call vote must be voted on and needs a majority to agree with this procedure unless your bylaws state when to take a roll call If it is in the bylaws or a motion has been adopted to take the vote by calling the roll then the president must take the vote that way. If he refuses he should be asked to leave the chair and have the vice president take the roll. The chairman is obligated to carry out the wishes of the board and should not impede this process if it has been adopted or stated that the vote is to be by roll call.
If the chairman refuses to take the vote then someone can call a point order and point out this the chairman must do this. If he refuses to do it, then a motion can be made to vacate the chair for that particular vote and replace him with a chairman pro tem. See Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th edition page 651.
Cheerio,
Little Ben
Question submitted by George on May 12, 2016