Balloting Procedures for
Appointments to Committees and Boards
In accordance with Robert's Rule of Order
Nominations:
1. The Chair calls for nominations.
2. Members can nominate candidates including themselves, and nominations do not require seconding.
3. The Chair calls three times for further nominations, and if no further nominations are made, the Chair declares the nominations closed and announces the nominees.
4. Each candidate is permitted to address Council for up to 5 minutes, with no extension.
5. Members may question nominees provided that the total time for questioning, including answers, is not longer than ten minutes. (s. 27-136B, Council Procedures)
Voting:
1. A majority of ballots cast is required to elect a Member to an open position. (i.e., 23 votes if 45 ballots are cast).
2. The City Clerk will distribute ballots to the Members.
3. The City Clerk will display the names of the nominees in the order they were nominated.
4. Members will mark their ballots by printing the names of candidates.
5. Notwithstanding the nominations process, a voting Member may write-in any Member's name, even if they have not been nominated.
6. Members can vote for up to the number of open positions. If a Member votes for more than the maximum number, the ballot will be spoiled and no votes will be counted.
7. Members can vote for any qualified candidate. If a Member writes in the name of a person who is not qualified to fill the vacant position, the ballot will be spoiled and no votes will be counted.
8. Secret ballots are prohibited by law. Members must print and sign their names on all ballots. Unsigned ballots will be spoiled and no votes will be counted.
9. All ballots are public and will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
10. The City Clerk shall collect and count the ballots.
11. Members must remain seated until all ballots have been collected by the City Clerk.
12. The City Clerk announces the results and declares elected any nominees who receive a majority of votes cast.
13. If the number of candidates who receive a majority of votes is less than the number of open positions, a second ballot shall be conducted.
14. A second ballot shall be conducted for remaining vacant positions with all of the remaining candidates' names. No candidates are removed from consideration other than those that have already been elected.
15. Steps 13 and 14 are repeated until all positions are elected by a majority.
16. After the City Clerk announces the results of the final ballot, she announces the final list of Members that have been elected.
17. The appointments are final once announced, subject to the enactment of the necessary by-laws.
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