Abstentions and Recusals: How do they count toward the vote tally and quorum?

If a town council has 5 members, and 2 vote yes and 3 abstain or recuse, did the motion pass?  Was there a quorum for the purposes of the vote?  Is an abstention considered a yes vote, a no vote, or neither?  These are common questions.  Current guidance is murky, however, and calls for legislation. Read More …