Hi Felix, JimmyT, Whale and Scotland X;
In order to simplify things (for myself and others), is this the process of properly passing a Special Resolution;
1. Special Resolution (SR) is placed on the Agenda of a duly convened General Meeting of an Owners Corporation (OC): Note: Duly Convened being full and proper notice given to ALL members of the OC pursuant to the Regulations.
2. Motion called for and VOTES are counted per Unit Entitlement (UE) for SR under Poll Vote rules. Note: Abstention VOTE(s) not counted; No VOTE(s) cast are counted by UE; and Yes VOTE(s) cast are counted by UE.
3. YES and NO converted to percentage of Total VOTE(s) cast. Note: The TOTAL amount of VOTE (s) cast are added (UE) to establish what 100% of the VOTE (s) cast are worth.
4. If NO percentage is worth more than 25% then the SR is defeated; and
5. If YES percentage is worth more than 75% then the SR is resolved.
Abstention VOTE(s) reduced the percentage threshold of UE counted at a ratio of 3:1 (YES:NO) indirectly favouring NO (Status Quo) as it is less onerous to obtain – Voting YES or NO is more not only more preferable, but means you are getting your say by NOT sitting on the fence!
Also, JT’s (very concerning) comment that “A powerful minority can railroad an owners corp into making bad decisions then make it very hard to rescind them once the damage is done.” means that any member of the OC that doesn’t Vote or Abstains from voting has only themselves to blame when a bad decision costs the OC (all owners financially) in the long run!
Get out and vote seems to be the important message here and whatever you do just don’t sit on the fence (Abstain) – Ask inquisitive questions of your EC or Strata Manager prior to voting so that you can ascertain for yourself if you agree the proposed SR should pass!