By Wendy McFadden
Delegates approved a new two-step process for nominations from the floor.
The change requires those making nominations to first state reasons why the ballot for a particular position is inadequate. Only after delegates approve their willingness to accept a new nomination based on the reason offered may the additional nominee be presented.
The recommendation, new business item 2, came from Standing Committee and its Nominating Committee, which observed that floor nominations exclude the discernment present in the established nominating process. The new process allows for a more informed decision, said Standing Committee, because there is more transparency in the reason for the nomination from the floor.
The decision changes Annual Conference rule 12. After significant discussion and one amendment in two parts, it was approved by more than the two-thirds required because it is a change in polity.