8. Members' Voting Rights and Procedures
Voting at a Meeting of Members
8.1 How does voting take place at a meeting of members?
In person, by proxy or by postal ballot.
8.2 How are polls conducted at a meeting of members?
The chairperson must make sure polls are conducted with reasonable secrecy and take account of the blindness or vision impairment of voters.
The chairperson at the meeting announces results.
8.3 How many votes does each member have?
- A full member who is a qualifying person has one vote.
- A custodial guardian has one vote for each qualifying child for whom he or she is the custodial guardian.
8.4 What happens if I cannot attend a meeting of members?
You can appoint a proxy to take your place.
8.5 What rights does a proxy have?
The same rights as a member who is present.
- To attend and be heard at the meeting.
- To demand and to vote in a poll.
8.6 How do I appoint a proxy?
By completing the approved appointment of proxy form and returning it to the Foundation.
8.7 Who can be appointed as a proxy?
- A full member of the Foundation.
- The chairperson of the meeting.
Voting by Post
8.8 When can members vote by post?
- To elect members to the Board.
- To vote on a notified proposal.
8.9 Who is eligible to vote in a postal ballot?
- Full members of the Foundation may vote for general directors of the Board and on a notified proposal.
- Associate members may vote for the associates' director of the board.
8.10 How does postal voting take place?
You will be sent by post the correct number of voting forms and a postage-paid addressed return envelope.
If you are an associate member voting in a Board election, you may also be sent a membership renewal form.
8.11 Who manages the process of postal voting?
A returning officer, appointed by the Board.
8.12 How are the results of a postal ballot announced?
The returning officer advises the chairperson of the result within 24 hours. It is noted in the minutes and members are advised.
8.13 What happens to voting forms after the ballot is announced?
They are put in sealed parcels and kept in safe custody for six months before being destroyed.