Kinds of resolution and how votes are counted
Most decisions pass by simple majority. Big changes need a special resolution counted by unit entitlement.
What to know
- Ordinary (general) resolution: one vote per lot; more votes for than against.
- Special resolution: counted by unit entitlement; passes if not more than 25% of the value of votes cast is against (s 5(1)). Needed for example for by-law changes and changes to common property.
- Sustainability or accessibility infrastructure resolution: counted by unit entitlement; passes if less than 50% is against.
- Unanimous resolution: no vote against (s 5(3)).
- Poll: any voter can ask for one before or straight after a vote; it turns an ordinary resolution into a vote counted by unit entitlement.
- Owners who owe levies are generally not eligible to vote. A pre-meeting electronic vote can't be used to elect committee members.
When things go wrong
The chair declares a special resolution carried on a show of hands.
Ask for the votes to be counted by unit entitlement and recorded in the minutes. A special resolution depends on the value of votes cast against, not the number of hands.