Parliamentary Procedure Q&A

Q:
  1. If a quorum is 9.3 members, is it appropriate to revert to a nine member quorum?
  2. When trying to dismiss a member, does he have the right to vote on determining his dismissal and on establishing the 9.3 quorum vote?
- Anon., Dec. 3, 1998

A:

  1. A quorum is never a fractional part of a member; it's always a whole number. If the second last calculation of a quorum results in a fractional part, the last step is to round up to the next whole number. If instead of rounding up, you improperly round down, your quorum would be less than the required minimum - a contradiction. In your specific case, your quorum is rounded up from 9.3 to 10.
  2. The determination as to whether the accused may vote (and whether quorum is effected) is based on his current membership status. If his membership has been suspended (for trial, for example), then he does not vote, and quorum is determined as if he were not a member. If his membership is not suspended, then he has the right to vote, and he effects the quorum. Dismissal (expulsion) requires a two-thirds vote unless the bylaws state otherwise. (See RONR Section 60.)


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