1. "Filling vacancy due to resignation"
   The elections were held in a fire Company under bylaws procedure. A person was nominated and unopposed to a position. This person then submits a letter officially resigning before they are to take office.
   The bylaws do not cover filling vacancy. They do say that when a procedure is not covered, we will refer to Robert's Rules of Order. What is the official procedure for filling such a vacancy which is for one(1).
2. "Term of office, when does officer take office"
   The term of office is for one year. The nomination was in November and election is in December (1st Tuesday). There is nothing in bylaws that say the person takes office after election in December or at first meeting in January of the new year. Is there a specific section that covers this under Robert's Rules of Order and if so, what is it?

A:

1. If the person resigned the presidency (or possibly a vice presidency), the next lower vice president, if any, fills the vacant office, creating a vacancy in a vice presidency. Whatever vacancy remains needs to be filled by election at a future (possibly special) meeting, after sufficient notice is delivered. (See RONR p. 292, 569.)
2. If your bylaws are silent, a newly-elected officer takes office at the close of his election. (RONR pp. 436-437.)
   Implication: If the Presidency is the first office elected, as soon as a member is elected President he would replace the current President and conduct the remainder of the elections.
   Recommendation: Amend your bylaws to define the term of office to begin on January 1. This allows time for your retiring officers to transfer their documents and books, and to advise their successors on their roles.