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.