An issue comes up. The member depositors or Trustees of the bank propose an issue for discussion and decision. Typical issues will include:
choosing the next Trustees
how to disburse the bank's profits to advance the common good
what will be the bank's lending priorities in the coming year
in what town will the next new branch be established
Discussion. Members meet to discuss the issue and generate options. Internet discussions may be used as well as in-person discussions (but not instead of them).
More discussion. If the issue requires more discussion, additional discussion sessions are held.
Question formulated. The Trustees formulate a written question and written options to be voted on, along with a brief explanation of each option. (See also "How Budget Options Are Chosen".)
Vote scheduled. The Trustees schedule and announce a period for voting. Typically voting will begin on a Monday and continue for seven days.
Voting. Members vote online or at the bank. Whether voting directly or by proxy, the member can change his or her vote anytime before the voting closes. For budget-type issues, such as how to disburse the profits or setting lending priorities, members use a penny vote. All other issues are multiple choice.
Results. The results are automatically announced online. Partial results are NOT disclosed while the voting is open, because that can lead to dishonest "strategic" votes and "follow-the-leader" votes -- both of which detract from the wisdom of the crowd.
Objections. If any winning option was "vetoed" by 5% or more of the voters, the Trustees invite those voters to voice their objections, and may schedule additional discussions and possibly a revote. (Members are encouraged to use their veto to express moral or ethical objections to a particular option.) Meanwhile, the winning option stands.
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