What is an Abstention?

An abstention occurs when a director declines to vote in favor or against a motion.

Industry Best Practice

Roberts Rules of Order establish the following guidelines for abstentions

Abstentions are counted and noted, but are neither a “yes” or “no” vote.
An abstention does not impact the final voting result
A member of the body has a right to abstain and cannot be compelled to vote
A member of the body has an obligation to abstain if he or she has a direct personal interest in the matter that amounts to a conflict of interest.

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