Policy 1.05 - Abstention
October 7, 2025
Background
• Current Policy: treats Non-Conflict Abstentions as Aye votes. • Intent:
• Discourage non-conflict abstentions.
• Provide resolution for tie votes.
• Request: review of the Policy.
• Policy Committee: recommended City Council discuss process. • Law: The Political Reform Act only addresses Conflicts of Interest • City Attorney: provided four different rules for consideration in addition to the current policy.
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Rule Non-Conflict Abstentions Treated Impact on Vote Outcome Current Rule Non-Conflict abstentions are counted as "aye." 3-1vote, 1 abstention = 4-1 vote carries 2-2 vote, 1 abstention = 3-2 vote carries
Common Law Non-Conflict abstentions are counted with the majority vote. If no majority, abstention is a
non-vote.
3-1 vote, 1 abstention = 4-1 vote carries
2-2 vote, 1 abstention = 2-2 vote fails
Traditional Treats Non-Conflict abstentions as non-votes in all circumstances. (Rosenberg Rules)
*Council Policy 1.05 provides exception to Rosenberg’s
Rules.
3-1 vote, 1 abstention = 3-1-1vote carries
2-2 vote, 1 abstention = 2-2 vote fails
Affirmative
Majority
Counts voluntarily abstentions as affirmative
vote only when needed in a split votes to
create a majority.
3-1 vote, 1 abstention = 3-1-1 vote carries
2-2 vote, 1 abstention = 3-2 vote carries
Non-Conflict
Abstentions
Non-Conflict abstentions shall be recorded as
“Present” and is considered a non-vote.
Vote impact same as Traditional Rule, but
abstention is recorded in minutes as
“Present.”
Recommendation
Discuss and provide direction to City Staff on any amendments to City Council Policy 1.05 concerning how abstentions are handled for voting purposes.
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