Meetings, Elections, and Voting Flashcards

A homeowner submits a proxy designating their neighbor to vote on their behalf at an annual meeting. The neighbor arrives but the proxy form is unsigned. What should the meeting chair do?

Answer: Reject the proxy and deny the neighbor voting rights for that owner

An unsigned proxy is generally invalid, so the designated proxy holder cannot exercise voting rights on behalf of the absent owner.

Under Robert's Rules of Order, which motion takes precedence over all other motions on the floor?

Answer: Motion to adjourn

The motion to adjourn is privileged and takes precedence over all other motions, allowing the meeting to end.

A community association's governing documents require a quorum of 30% of total membership. If 250 units exist and 74 owners attend, what is the quorum status?

Answer: Quorum is not met because 75 members are required

30% of 250 units equals 75, so 74 attendees fall one short of the required quorum.

A board wants to conduct a vote by written ballot outside of a meeting. Which condition typically must be satisfied for this to be valid?

Answer: The governing documents or state law must authorize the written ballot procedure

Written ballot procedures conducted outside formal meetings must be expressly authorized by the association's governing documents or applicable state statute.

During a board meeting, a director wants to speak against a motion she herself made. Under Robert's Rules, can she do this?

Answer: Yes, a director may speak against her own motion after it has been seconded

Under Robert's Rules, the maker of a motion may vote against it and speak against it after it has been seconded and is on the floor.

State law requires association elections to use a secret ballot. The board proposes using a show of hands for a contested board seat to save time. This action is:

Answer: Impermissible because state law supersedes board preference

State statutes establishing secret ballot requirements for elections cannot be overridden by board resolution or member consent.

An owner challenges the eligibility of a candidate at the annual election, claiming the candidate is delinquent in assessments. The inspector of elections should:

Answer: Allow the election to proceed and refer the eligibility question to the board or legal counsel for a ruling

The inspector of elections oversees the voting process but eligibility disputes are typically resolved by the board or legal counsel, so the election should proceed while the challenge is referred.