Who is typically authorized to cast a tie-breaking vote?

• A. The treasurer.
• B. The chair.
• C. The secretary.
• D. The most senior member.

Answer: (B)

A tie-breaking vote is used to resolve a deadlock when a vote comes out evenly. In most deliberative bodies, the person who oversees the meeting—the chair—has the authority to cast this deciding vote. The chair’s role is to ensure orderly discussion and to guide proceedings to a decision, so when the group isn’t moving forward, the chair can step in to break the tie and allow business to continue.

The other roles aren’t typically the tie-breaker because they’re tied to specific functions: the treasurer handles finances, the secretary records minutes and handles documentation, and the most senior member isn’t automatically the presiding officer. Thus, casting a deciding vote isn’t part of their standard responsibilities, whereas the presiding chair is positioned to resolve deadlock and keep the meeting productive.