order, which he can do in preference to other members. In referring to himself he should always use his official title, thus: “The Chair decides so and so,” not “I decide, etc.” When a member has the floor, the Chairman cannot interrupt him so long as he does not transgress any of the rules of the assembly, excepting as provided in § 2.
He is entitled to vote when the vote is by ballot,[1] and in all other cases where the vote would change the result. Thus, in a case where a two-thirds vote is necessary, and his vote thrown with the minority would prevent the adoption of the question, he can cast his vote; so, also, he can vote with the minority when it will produce a tie vote and thus cause the motion to fail. Whenever a motion is made referring especially to the Chairman, the maker of the motion should put it to vote.
The Chairman can, if it is necessary to vacate the chair, appoint a Chairman pro tem.,[2]
- ↑ But this right is lost if he does not use it before the tellers have commenced to count the ballots. The assembly can give leave to the Chairman to vote under such circumstances.
- ↑ When there are Vice-Presidents, then the first one on the list that is present is, by virtue of his office, Chairman during the absence of the President, and should always be called to the chair when the President temporarily vacates it.
