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 …