What occurs when a quorum is not present during a meeting?

When a quorum is not present during a meeting, no official business can be conducted. A quorum is defined as the minimum number of members that must be present for the meeting to be valid and for decisions to be made. This requirement is in place to ensure that any actions taken reflect the consensus of a sufficient number of members, maintaining the integrity of the decision-making process.

If a quorum is not met, members cannot legally proceed with formal votes or ratification of decisions. This protects against the possibility of a small number of members making important decisions that might not represent the views or interests of the larger group. Therefore, the absence of a quorum necessitates halting official business until such a time when the required number of members can convene, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.