Columbia Voting requirements; abstentions ordinance (§ 2-53)

(a) Except as provided in section 2-53.1, every member who shall be present when a vote is taken on a question shall vote on the question unless excused by a majority of the council.

(b) Except as provided in section 2-53.1, every member who intends to abstain shall state the reasons for the abstention, and shall request council permission to abstain. The council shall vote on the request prior to commencement or continuance of the vote.

(1) Except for votes under section 29-6.4(n)(1)(ii)(E), an abstention shall be counted with the majority and, if the question before the council requires a super majority for passage, the abstention shall be counted to reach the required super majority.

(2) In the event of an abstention on a tie vote, the abstention shall not be counted with either side to break the tie.