What is the purpose of recording the votes in the minutes?

The purpose of recording the votes in the minutes primarily serves to maintain a historical record of the decisions made by the organization. This official documentation provides an accurate account of the outcomes of discussions and votes, which can be referenced in the future for clarity, accountability, and organizational continuity. Such records can be vital for understanding the organization's past actions, ensuring transparency, and tracking trends or patterns in decision-making over time.

While informing absent members and presenting at subsequent meetings are important functions of meeting minutes, they are secondary to the fundamental purpose of preserving a detailed historical account. Similarly, while recorded votes can influence future motions or decisions, the principal aim is to create a reliable reference for both current and future members of the organization.