In reply to GLADIATOR:
I don't have the official answers to any of your questions, but thanks for the ideas.
My views:
It would be impractical to vote on every issue raised at AGM and Areas, we don't now so why do in the future? The fact is the block vote has only been used once, possibly twice since the Articles were enacted, so based on this it is likely that proxy voting on specific issues will prevail in the future; thus costs should not be significantly higher.
My interpretation of the difference between a proxy vote and a block vote is that with block voting one person carried ALL the votes continually and casts them without need for formal consultation on any specific issues before hand. Club members have complained about this in the past, some people have used the block vote to effect their own agendas. A proxy vote allows the voter to direct the proxy on how they wish them to vote, thus the proxy gets to cast some votes ‘yes’ and some ‘no’, therein lies the democracy previously missing.
How those votes are collected and carried forward, i.e. postal , electronic, in person; and how they are validated is still to be considered.
My interpretation of events so far is that the BMC wishes to go beyond the issue of club/ individual members in relation to voting, both parties will be treaded the same in future - equal rights.
I assume (hope) the new system will allow all members of the BMC the right to vote as they think fit - directly, via any other person they wish to nominate as a proxy (club rep or anyone else), or in person.
Please be careful in assuming that I am proposing any system, I am only suggested way and means and encouraging debate. There is proper debate and consultation going on, and cost is recognised as a key issue. Why not go to an area meet and raise your points there too? I'm sure you'd be welcome.