What is what does it mean to abstain from a vote?

Abstaining from a vote means you are present during a vote but choose not to cast either a yes or no vote. In essence, you are declining to express an opinion on the matter being voted upon.

Here's what it generally means to abstain:

• Neutral Position: It signals that you are neither in favor nor against the proposal. You might abstain due to a lack of information, a conflict of interest, or simply a desire not to take a side on a controversial issue. You may be signaling a "Neutral%20Position".
• Not Counted: An abstention typically does not count towards either the majority or the minority. It's not considered a vote for or against the motion.
• Impact on Quorum: In some cases, abstentions can affect whether a quorum is met. A "Quorum" is the minimum number of members required to be present for a vote to be valid. Rules vary, but sometimes, abstentions are counted as present for the purposes of determining if a quorum exists, even though they don't count as votes.
• Different Interpretations: The specific implications of abstaining can vary depending on the rules and procedures of the organization or governing body holding the vote. Consult the specific rules in question.
• Reasons for Abstaining: Reasons for abstaining can be varied. A member may abstain due to "Conflict%20of%20Interest", lack of information, or disagreement with both options.