Quote:
Originally Posted by LRobinson
An issue that has come up in the current presidential election is that Sen Obama voted 'present' several times in the Illinois Senate. By voting that way, he didn't take a position yea or nay, but the record was there that he voted. So is that the same as abstaining?
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As I understand it, in the Illinois legislature, voting "present" was/is? at times a well-established procedural maneuver, basically horsetrading of votes, which happens in every statehouse in America, by the way. From what I remembered reading of this, often a vote of "present" was a placeholder or a "chit" for a later vote in favor of something else.
Often this strategy was requested of the members by the leadership of the chamber, in this case Emil Jones, Ill. State Sen. President. "Present" votes appears to be how Illinois does this.
Regarding AKA2D's OP, "abstention" votes, they are as valid an expression of intent as a yes or no. Our chapter uses Robert's Rules of Order. It has its place....and also its limits. After all, Roberts wasn't a bruh.
There are times when the doors must be closed and the best interest of the brotherhood must be worked out in true Alpha fashion.