Decision details

The Chairman took this item of business ahead of its scheduled place on the agenda, to allow for the Council to decide if it wanted to vote electronically for the purpose of key budget decisions later on the agenda.

The Leader moved the following motion in accordance with Standing Order 21:-

“This Council notes that:-

1.     The Council’s Constitution allows for votes by show of hand, and discretionary recorded votes, to be taken by electronic means.

2.     The use of electronic voting has been successfully used at recent Council meetings.

3.     In order to allow for recorded votes on key budget decisions to be taken electronically, a minor amendment to the Council’s Standing Orders for Meetings is required.

 This Council resolves that:-

4.     The Council’s Standing Orders for Meetings, as contained within the Constitution, be amended as follows with immediate effect:-

52A.2 – At the Chairman’s discretion, the mode of voting on a matter under 52A.1 shall be by electronic means if available to the Council.  The Chairman shall inform the Council if a recorded vote is to be taken electronically, immediately before the vote is taken.  Alternatively, where a vote is taken on a matter under 52A.1, each member shall state whether they have voted for the proposition, or against the proposition, or have abstained from voting.  The manner in which each member voted shall be recorded in the minutes.”

It was clarified that electronic voting would not replace the use of a secret ballot for contested positions, such as the chairmen and vice-chairman of committees and panels.

The Leader thanked Group Leaders for their support in bringing the motion to Council.

RESOLVED:

This Council notes that:-

1.     The Council’s Constitution allows for votes by show of hand, and discretionary recorded votes, to be taken by electronic means.

2.     The use of electronic voting has been successfully used at recent Council meetings.

3.     In order to allow for recorded votes on key budget decisions to be taken electronically, a minor amendment to the Council’s Standing Orders for Meetings is required.

This Council resolves that:-

4.     The Council’s Standing Orders for Meetings, as contained within the Constitution, be amended as follows with immediate effect:-

52A.2 – At the Chairman’s discretion, the mode of voting on a matter under 52A.1 shall be by electronic means if available to the Council.  The Chairman shall inform the Council if a recorded vote is to be taken electronically, immediately before the vote is taken.  Alternatively, where a vote is taken on a matter under 52A.1, each member shall state whether they have voted for the proposition, or against the proposition, or have abstained from voting.  The manner in which each member voted shall be recorded in the minutes.”