[nabs-l] Proxy Voting

[Kirt Manwaring]

Arielle,
  As I've said before, I'm totally in favor of leaving the
constitution as it stands right now.  But I do have one question.  If
we were to set up a secure stream, and a reasonably failsafe method of
paying dues online and allowing due-paying members who aren't at
convention the chance to vote on the internet, would that be
considered a "proxie vote?"  Since they would be the ones doing the
voting, with no intermediate proxie, couldn't it be argued that such a
procedure isn't in violation of the constitution?  After all, the NFB
constitution  doesn't explicitly state that you *must* be present at
convention to vote, does it?  It just says there will be no proxie
votes. In other words, you have to cast your own vote. Am I right?
So, if someone could attend the meeting over the internet, and the
voting method was reasonably secure, couldn't you make the case that
isn't violating our national constitution?  After all, they aren't
using a proxie voter at all.
  As I said, I'm personally against such an idea.  But it's something
to think about.
  Best,
Kirt

On 6/20/11, Jorge Paez <computertechjorgepaez at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello Arielle:
> One quick question on the nominating committee
>
> is this meeting open to the public during convention?
>
> On Jun 20, 2011, at 12:41 PM, Arielle Silverman wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>> I just spoke with Joanne Wilson, director of affiliate action for the
>> National Federation of the Blind and a former NFB national board
>> member. She informed me that any provision in NFB's national
>> constitution prohibiting proxy voting would also apply to the NFB's
>> chapters, affiliates, and divisions including NABS. I found the
>> following clause in the NFB's national constitution:
>> ARTICLE V. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CONVENTION, THE BOARD OF
>> DIRECTORS, AND THE PRESIDENT
>>
>>
>>
>>            Section A. Powers and Duties of the Convention. The
>> Convention is the supreme authority of the Federation. It is the
>> legislature of the Federation. As such, it has final authority with
>> respect to all issues of policy. Its decisions shall be made after
>> opportunity has been afforded for full and fair discussion. Delegates
>> and members in attendance may participate in all Convention
>> discussions as a matter of right. Any member of the Federation may
>> make or second motions, propose nominations, and serve on committees;
>> and is eligible for election to office, except that only blind members
>> may be elected to the National Board. Voting and making motions by
>> proxy are prohibited. Consistent with the democratic character of the
>> Federation, Convention meetings shall be so conducted as to prevent
>> parliamentary maneuvers which would have the effect of interfering
>> with the expression of the will of the majority on any question, or
>> with the rights of the minority to full and fair presentation of their
>> views. The Convention is not merely a gathering of representatives of
>> separate state organizations. It is a meeting of the Federation at the
>> national level in its character as a national organization. Committees
>> of the Federation are committees of the national organization. The
>> nominating committee shall consist of one member from each state
>> affiliate represented at the Convention, and each state affiliate
>> shall appoint its member to the committee. From among the members of
>> the committee, the President shall appoint a chairperson.
>>
>> Later on in the constitution, there is also a sentence stating that
>> proxy voting is prohibited in NFB's affiliates and chapters.
>> Based on the above, I believe our hands are tied regarding the
>> amendment proposed. If you feel strongly that NFB's policy regarding
>> proxy voting should be modified, I would encourage you to discuss this
>> with your affiliate president, with an NFB national board member, or
>> with President Maurer directly.
>> That said, I do appreciate the on-list discussion. It is good to spend
>> some time considering the reasons behind our policies and bylaws.
>> Best regards,
>> Arielle Silverman
>> President, National Association  of Blind Students
>>
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