What is a "proxy vote"?

A proxy vote refers specifically to a situation where a representative casts a vote on behalf of a member who is not present during the voting process. This practice allows individuals who are unable to attend a meeting to still have their voice heard in the decision-making process.

In parliamentary procedure, proxy voting serves to ensure that all members, even if absent, can participate in the proceedings indirectly. This maintains the integrity and inclusiveness of a group’s decision-making. The concept is particularly important in larger organizations or bodies where attendance may fluctuate, ensuring that all members' opinions contribute to the outcome.

The other options present different voting processes that do not accurately reflect the definition of a proxy vote. For instance, a vote where a member voices their opinion or one that allows abstentions relates to how members express their positions rather than representing someone else's stance. Similarly, a vote that must be recorded in minutes pertains to the procedural documentation of meetings but does not define the act of voting itself.