1999 Assembly of Delegates
Quinnipiac Chapter Resolution

November 5-7, 1999, Minneapolis, MN
In conjunction with the Sigma Xi Forum, November 4-5, 1999

Resolution
We, the members of the Quinnipiac Chapter, resolve that all votes for elections and business of the Society be cast by electronic ballot by each chapter delegate prior to an Annual Meeting; in voting on the Society’s business, delegates will have the option of voting approval or disapproval of the motion, or deferring the motion to the Assembly of Delegates’ sessions at the Annual Meeting. Further, we resolve that the results of these elections be reported to all chapters in advance of the Annual Meeting and also announced at the Annual Meeting. Any tie election, or any issue not receiving sufficient votes for approval or disapproval, will be automatically referred to the Assembly of Delegates’ sessions at the Annual Meeting for discussion and action. The Society’s Executive Committee is instructed to prepare experimental procedures for initiating this process for the Annual Meeting in the year beginning 2000.

Chapter Supporting Statement
The Quinnipiac Chapter of Sigma Xi has proposed a resolution to initiate E-mail balloting, not only for the philosophical niceties of the idea, but more for the powerful advantages gained in how we conduct Society business. With the Society’s business posted on a Web site sixty days in advance of the meeting, and all chapters notified of this action as required by the Bylaws, chapters could read, print, or down load the business immediately for discussion in the chapter and voting electronically in advance of the meeting. As indicated in the resolution, any controversial items not receiving approval or disapproval would automatically be deferred to the Assembly at the Annual Meeting for discussion and action

The Quinnipiac Chapter hopes that the opportunity to vote electronically will encourage chapters who do not attend annual meetings at least to give their input and support. Moreover, the focus of the annual meeting will shift to concentrate on those issues that are best resolved through discussion and thoughtful deliberation by the delegates. It is likely that this resolution will lead to shortening the time required for assembly meetings, thus allowing more time for discussion groups, workshops and other activities.

In summary, the intent of this resolution is to obtain increased voter participation and support in deciding the non-controversial issues that currently encumber our annual meetings. We think that adopting this resolution can only enhance the role of delegates attending the annual meeting in directing the business of our Society.

Executive Committee Statement
With increased capability of communicating with Chapters via electronic mail and other internet-based tools, the Board and the Executive Committee have discussed the possibility of electronic voting in 1997. The rationale for considering electronic voting is clear. Less than 50% and at times only 30% of the chapters vote in matters of business and election of officers before the Society. Finding ways to increase participation of the chapters is essential to preserving the representative democratic traditions of the Society and, while low percentage "turnout" is common in many popular elections, it is unusual and even evidence of inefficiency or failure of a process in representative or delegate voting systems. However, new technology affords us the opportunity to preserve the tradition of chapter delegates’ governance while, at the same time: (1) expanding the opportunity for discussion and debate on matters of governance amongst designated chapter delegates prior to and leading up to the annual meeting and of the participation of those delegates in matters brought to a vote and (2) improving the efficiency of the use of time at the annual meeting in handling matters of governance, thereby expanding the opportunity for member interaction and consideration of professional topics at the Society's annual meeting, e.g., through workshops, the forum, and perhaps even contributed paper sessions or other activities as time becomes available. Members surveys indicate that such changes would likely improve attendance at the annual meeting.