Voting in Luicarnyelle

Execution

All proposals put to a vote in Luicarnyelle village require a ³/₅ majority (of all those eligible to vote) to pass. Those who cannot make the vote are still classed as eligible voters meaning at least 60% of people must be available for any vote to pass. The consensus in the village is that if you can’t muster up three fifths of the village to debate and decide upon an issue then it can’t be that important.
The votes are relatively informal affairs, and can look like an oversized social gathering with people standing around chatting, eating, and keeping an eye on the children running around. Conversations frequently carry on even while voting is taking place as all votes are taken based on a count of upraised hands. Although details of the proposals and outcomes of votes are recorded, the details of who voted either yes or no is not. This is due to the practicalities of writing down and storing such records when a single discussion can require ten different votes.

By long standing traditions the subject of a discussion and vote is annouced at least a day beforehand to give people a bit of time to chat and form ideas. When a subject is put to the group there is typically a period of discussion before any matter is voted upon. Votes on matters can happen in stages, but at each stage the vote is always between two alternatives.

Calling it a day

if a discussion is dragging on with no end in sight then a vote may be called for a delay. If at least half of those present vote in favour of a delay then the topic cannot be voted on for at least half a day. At the next gathering at least 60% of eligible votes must agree to resume the topic or discussions must move on to other matters.

For an example voting might start with ‘Here is a problem, do we need to do anything about it?’ If 60% of voters say no, then there is nothing further to do. If something does need to be done then various proposals will be voted upon until one passes the three fifths level of support needed.

Participants

All adult elves resident in Luicarnyelle village are eligible to vote. In some cases an initial vote may be taken to exclude a person that will be affected by a vote, but that person still counts towards the total required for a vote to pass.
Non-elves and those who do not live in the village are permitted to speak at a gathering but are not allowed to vote on any topics.
At the start of each gathering three people are chosen to help manage affairs. The first is the arbitrator who will help guide proceedings. The arbitrator is responsible for keeping discussions on track and formally annoucing what question is being put to the vote. Two Counters are also chosen who are responsible for cuunting the votes and recording the results. At many gatherings the same people will chosen for those roles if they available, but anyone eligible to vote can volunteer.

Primary Related Location

Luicarnyelle village

Related Ethnicities

• Taurim

Rural Tradition

This approach to deciding on matters affecting the village is looked down on as somewhat backward and inefficient in larger settlements and those which have a higher proportion of Ostrim. The lack of urgency in decision making, and the lack of a clear leader tends to confuse those who aren't used to the slower pace of life in places like Luicarnyelle village