{"id":13338,"date":"2026-11-07T14:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-11-07T21:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/electionchamp.com\/blog\/?p=13338"},"modified":"2026-10-03T19:34:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T01:34:45","slug":"board-voting-methods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/electionchamp.com\/blog\/board-voting-methods\/","title":{"rendered":"Board Voting Methods: Which One Should Your Board Use?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Short answer:<\/strong> Boards use two kinds of voting methods. For motions, most small boards vote by voice or show of hands, switch to a roll call when the record must show each director’s vote, and use a secret ballot for sensitive matters. For filling seats, majority voting with a ranked or runoff backup is the safest default. Your bylaws decide which methods are allowed, so check them first.<\/p>\n

This guide compares each method, cites Robert’s Rules where it applies, and ends with a decision guide for your next meeting.<\/p>\n

Board Voting Methods at a Glance<\/h2>\n

The first table covers how boards vote on motions. The second, further down, covers how boards and members elect people to seats.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Method<\/th>\nHow It Works<\/th>\nShows Who Voted How<\/th>\nBest For<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Voice vote<\/td>\nChair calls for “aye” then “no” and judges the sound<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nRoutine motions with clear support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Show of hands<\/td>\nMembers raise hands and the chair counts<\/td>\nVisible in the room, rarely recorded<\/td>\nSmall boards and close voice votes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Roll call<\/td>\nSecretary calls each name and records the answer<\/td>\nYes, in the minutes<\/td>\nSpending, conflicts of interest, public boards<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ballot<\/td>\nEach member marks a written or electronic ballot<\/td>\nNo, if the ballot is secret<\/td>\nElections, discipline, sensitive matters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General consent<\/td>\nChair asks if there is any objection; silence adopts<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nApproving minutes and other routine items<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unanimous written consent<\/td>\nEvery director signs a written resolution outside a meeting<\/td>\nYes, by signature<\/td>\nUrgent actions between meetings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

How Boards Vote on Motions<\/h2>\n

Robert’s Rules lists the standard methods in Section 46 of the 1915 edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Revised<\/a>, and the current edition keeps the same set. Here is when each one fits a board.<\/p>\n

Voice Vote<\/h3>\n

A voice vote is the default. The 1915 text calls it “the usual method of taking a vote.” The chair asks those in favor to say “aye,” then those opposed to say “no,” and announces the result.<\/p>\n

Use it when support is obvious. If the result sounds close, any member can call for a count, and the chair should take one.<\/p>\n

Show of Hands<\/h3>\n

Robert’s Rules notes that “in small assemblies the vote is often taken by show of hands.” On a board of 5 to 12 people, it is usually the fastest accurate method.<\/p>\n

The current edition has a section on procedure in small boards (RONR 49:21)<\/a>. It applies to boards of “not more than about a dozen members.” Under it, members may raise a hand instead of standing, motions need not be seconded, and the chair may vote.<\/p>\n

Roll Call Vote<\/h3>\n

In a roll call, the secretary reads each director’s name and records “yes,” “no,” or “abstain” in the minutes. It takes longer, but it creates a permanent record of how each person voted.<\/p>\n

Use a roll call for large spending decisions, votes where a director has a conflict of interest and must be shown as recused, and any vote where accountability matters. If your board is a public body, check whether open meeting rules require recorded votes. Otherwise, your bylaws decide.<\/p>\n

Ballot Vote<\/h3>\n

A ballot vote is a written or electronic vote where no one sees individual choices. The 1915 text says “the main object of this form of voting is secrecy.” It is the standard for elections and for votes where members might not vote their true view in public.<\/p>\n

Boards use secret ballots for officer elections, removal or discipline of a member, and contentious decisions.<\/p>\n

General Consent<\/h3>\n

General consent, also called unanimous consent, skips the formal vote. The chair says, “If there is no objection, the minutes are approved as read.” If no one objects, the item passes. If anyone objects, the chair takes a regular vote.<\/p>\n

It saves real time on routine items such as approving minutes, accepting reports, or setting a meeting date.<\/p>\n

Unanimous Written Consent: Voting Without a Meeting<\/h2>\n

Unanimous written consent lets a board act without meeting at all. A resolution goes to every director, and it takes effect only when all of them sign. It is a creature of state corporate law, so the rules come from your statute and bylaws, not Robert’s Rules.<\/p>\n

Three examples of the statutory wording:<\/p>\n