Abstentions: calling for – January 2010

When taking a vote, is it accepted practice for the chair to call for abstentions along with the ayes and noes?

Opinion:  No. The count of a vote is based on the number of members present and voting. A member who abstains has voluntarily relinquished his vote and is not counted in the results. In order to have the record to show his abstention, he may ask permission of the assembly to have the fact recorded in the minutes. This is treated as a request, not a demand, and may be granted by general consent or majority vote, and if permission is given the secretary should do so.

During a roll call vote, a member may respond by saying “present,” which is an abstention and is not counted in the votes cast. If enough members present but not voting are entered on the record to show that a quorum was present.