Request that the Council of General Synod review the various provisions pertaining to the voting processes at Synod, particularly as it pertains to abstentions for primatial elections. Further, that the implications of failing to follow the policies will be clearly identified.

This session’s Primatial Election revealed confusion around the admissibility of abstention in proceedings of General Synod. This motion asks CoGS to review the desirability and enforceability of Synod’s rules on voting and elections.

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the members of General Synod present and voting together.

Six members of General Synod may, prior to the question being put, require a vote by Orders, with a majority of each Order being necessary to pass.

If a question passes on a Vote by Orders, any six members (two from each of three different dioceses) may immediately before the next item of business require a vote to be taken by dioceses. A motion passes if a majority (or a tie) of dioceses vote in favour.

Source: Sections 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure.