What is the role of the secretary in a meeting?

The role of the secretary in a meeting is primarily to keep the minutes of the meeting. This responsibility is crucial as the minutes serve as an official record of what occurred during the meeting, including decisions made, motions discussed, and the overall flow of the meeting. By accurately documenting these details, the secretary ensures that members can refer back to the discussions and decisions, which is important for accountability and continuity in organizational proceedings. The minutes also assist individuals who were unable to attend by providing them with a comprehensive overview of the meeting's outcomes.

The other options reflect roles that are not typically assigned to the secretary. For instance, leading the discussion is the responsibility of the chair or president, while voting on motions is something all members can do, but it is not a specific duty of the secretary. Enforcing rules of order falls under the chair's responsibilities as well, ensuring that the meeting runs smoothly and according to established protocols.