A quorum is the minimum number of members of a deliberative assembly, group, or organization necessary to conduct the business of that group. The quorum is usually set by the organizations bylaws, and it is a protection against totally unrepresentative decisions. The definition of a quorum can vary depending on the organization, but it is generally the minimum number of voting members who must be present at a properly called meeting to conduct business in the groups name.
Some examples of quorum requirements include:
- For a convention, unless provided otherwise, a quorum is a majority of registered delegates, even if some have departed.
- For the Board of Directors, a quorum is the majority of the members of the Board.
- For a public body, the Open Meeting Law defines a quorum as a simple majority of the members of the body, unless otherwise provided in a general or special law, executive order, or other authorizing provision.
The quorum number should be representative of the full group, and it is up to the organization to determine what is a good balance between the need for full representation and what is realistic. If a quorum is not present during a meeting, the members in attendance can adjourn the meeting.
