A deliberative vote is a vote given to a person because they are a member of the group. The term is usually applied to people who chair the meeting to draw a distinction between the vote they get as a member, and the casting vote they may get as the presiding person.

That means that, if your constitution allows the chair to have a casting vote, they will also have a deliberative vote because they are a member. They therefore get a “second vote” the term often used for the casting vote.

The deliberative vote Must be taken at the same time that everyone else votes. You cannot put an issue to the vote, wait to see the result and then exercise your vote – that is not seen as fair or reasonable.

However, many people choose not to use their deliberative vote at all, preferring to remain impartial and only use it when the issue is tight and their vote will make a difference.

In this case, if there is a tie, and the chair has not yet exercised the deliberative vote, then the vote they then cast is their deliberative vote, not their casting vote.

A casting vote is only used once the deliberative vote has been exercised.

Also see the post on casting votes

Please Note: The author accepts no responsibility for anything which occurs directly or indirectly as a result of using any of the suggestions or procedures detailed in this blog. All suggestions and procedures are provided in good faith as general guidelines only and should be used in conjunction with relevant legislation, constitutions, rules, laws, by-laws, and with reasonable judgement.

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