ABSTENTIONS

An abstention is a non-expression and cannot be considered a vote in favor of or against a motion.

Each member of a public body has the duty to express a choice or preference by voting on the issues, but can legally abstain from doing so when there is a statutory or ethical conflict of interest. Not to vote is to abstain.

Abstentions are intended for situations where a member may have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the matter being voted on.

Legal Reference: 30 MRSA § 2605 et seq.

Cross Reference:

BCB - BOARD MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST

BEDF - Voting Method

Adopted: November 22, 1993

Revised: May 18, 2020