In this case, a society rendered a vote by a Robert’s Rules<\/em> method called “general consent”, whereby the chair of the meeting asks if there is any opposition to a motion on the floor. If no member speaks up, the motion carries unanimously. If there is even a single voice in opposition, the motion goes to a vote. This method was used for a Special Resolution. Most votes of the society in the past were done by show of hands. After the close of the meeting, concerns were raised as to whether a vote had properly been conducted.<\/p>\n

The actual method of voting by general consent was not called into question; instead, due to the length of the meeting, it was potentially unclear whether the membership knew what it was voting on at the time debate was closed and the Special Resolution was put to a vote. The Court reviewed the record, and determined that the method of voting was determined at the beginning of the meeting, was discussed throughout, and a reasonable period of time was given for voicing dissent to the voting method. No objection was voiced, and the Special Resolution passed unanimously. The Court exercised its power to remedy irregularities and concluded the Special Resolution was validly passed.<\/p>\n