Can a board member vote on his own resignation?
A board of trustees member is resigning from an appointment made by the Board. Can the member vote on his own resignation, or should he abstain?
Dear Meredith,
I have to admit that this one made me stop and think! Usually resignations are handled by general consent. This means the chair asks, "Is there any objection to accepting the resignation?" If no one objects then the chair states, "Hearing no objection, the resignation is accepted." (So in essence in this case he is voting by not objecting.) If someone objects, then a vote is taken. Since the motion to resign is debatable, that means the person can give reasons and even try to persuade others to see his viewpoint. So then that means he can vote in favor of his own resignation. Surely no one would want someone to stay in a position if he does not want to be there.
Cheerio,
Little Ben
Question submitted by Meredith on June 9, 2014