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vacancy

An office or position which is unfilled or unoccupied.

vacate the chair

To temporarily relinquish the chair so that the presiding officer can participate in debate.

vice chairman

A member of the committee who is next in authority to the chairman.

vice president

A member of the organization who is next in authority to the president, unless the organization has a president-elect. The bylaws should list the duties and responsibilities of this position.

videoconference

A meeting in which the members participate using video conferencing technology.

viva voce

A vote by voice.

voice vote

A method of voting in which the members express their vote vocally. "All those in favor, say Aye.[pause] All those opposed, say No." (If the chair is in doubt of the results of a voice vote, the chair should state "The chair is in doubt, and therefore a rising[or counted]vote will be taken." Then proceed with a rising or counted vote.)

vote

A formal expression of will, opinion or choice by members of an assembly in regard to a matter submitted to it.

vote by acclimation

An election by unanimous consent.

vote immediately

The result of the adoption of the Previous Question motion. The members will immediately vote on the motion.

voting by mail

Only when specifically authorized in the bylaws can an organization conduct a vote by mail. If there is a vote requirement or a quorum requirement, the ballot serves as the member being “present.” As electronic communication is becoming more and more popular, organizations are relying on e-mail as a method of casting mail ballots. Although there are some problems associated with ballots by e-mail, they are clearly a money and time-saving approach, especially for large national and international organizations.