Mrs.inConn is great at understanding Roberts Rule of Order. It's always good to have her weigh in on a bylaws issue. Many groups have a clause in their bylaws referring to Roberts Rules as the parliamentary authority for any issue the bylaws are silent on. My own group has this:

Section 4 - Governing Rules

The rules contained in the current edition issue of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all issues of this organization not covered by these Bylaws.

Like Mrs. often advises - if your bylaws are silent, it's a good idea to refer to RONR.

Your bylaws should clearly define the Executive Board, voting members and non-voting members. If yours do not, you and your team may wish to revise them. Again, the bylaws should have an outlined review and revisions process.

As an aside, I've belonged to several types of groups. One didn't allow the president to vote, one allowed it only as a tie breaker and two allowed the office the same voting privileges as all other board members. What your group needs to decide is what works best for you.

PTA teaches that Parli's cannot vote except by ballot.
RONR says that parli's should not vote at all. Notice it says 'should not', not 'cannot'.
PTA teaches presidents should only vote to make or break a tie or by ballot. (2006-7 President's Quick Reference Guide, pg.33)
RONR says presiding chairs (in boards of 12 members or more) shouldn't vote at all. RONR page 48-51.

President and Parliamentarian do not have voting priviledges. President can only vote if there is a tie and even then there are stipulations on that. Regarding one person holding two positions - that's a tough one. I guess it depends which "hat" she's wearing when she votes.

However, this is PTA bylaws - don't know about PTOs.

Your bylaws should specify who's on the board.
These would be your voting members.
As to the voting privileges of your historian/parliamentarian- that is up to your membership to decide if your bylaws are silent on the matter.

Who has voting priviledges on the Executive Board? We have a Pres, 2 VP's, Sec, 2 Treas., and a Historian/Parlamentarian. Should they all be voting? There isn't anything regarding this in our bylaws. Some say the Parlamentarian doesn't vote. Is this right, or does it depend on what our bylaws say. And, if it is correct what about the fact that she is also the Historian? [img]smile.gif[/img]