MEMBERS OF A CITY council in the United States have abstained in a vote which, if passed, would have barred them from abstaining from any more votes in future.

Councillors in Michigan were dealing with proposals that would have barred them from abstaining from motions put to their council.

Members of the Ypsilanti City Council would only have been able to avoid voting Yes or No if they had a financial or professional conflict.

Faced with the proposition of being barred from remaining neutral on any further issues, three of the six members did what they felt was the appropriate thing: abstained from the vote.

The remaining members voted 2-2 – but with the proposer’s own vote discounted from the result, the proposal was defeated.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

US council members abstain in a vote about abstaining from votes

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.