Legal Definitions - present and voting

Definition: Present and voting refers to a member of a parliamentary body who is casting a vote during a meeting or session.

When a vote is taken, the outcome is usually determined by the number of members who are present and voting. If a member is present but chooses not to vote, they may say "present" instead of casting a vote, which is considered an abstention.

Example: During a city council meeting, a vote is taken on a proposal to build a new park. There are 10 council members present, but only 8 of them vote. The result of the vote is determined by the 8 members who voted, not the total number of members present.

Example: In a school board meeting, a vote is taken on a proposal to change the school calendar. One board member is present but chooses to abstain from voting by saying "present." Their abstention does not count towards the final outcome of the vote.

These examples illustrate how the term "present and voting" is used in parliamentary procedure to determine the outcome of a vote based on the number of members who actively participate in the voting process.