The Apache Software Foundation

Community > Code

Occasionally a “feel” for consensus is not enough. Sometimes we need to have a measurable consensus, for example, when voting to invite new committers or to approve a release.

Preparing for a Vote

Before calling a vote it is important to ensure that the community has time to discuss the issue before voting. To do this, post an email to the list indicating the intention to call a vote and the options available. By the time a vote takes place there usually is consensus in the community on what path to take. The vote itself is, normally, a formality; however, it is important as part of the record of the decisions of the PMC and the development of the project.

Calling a Vote

Once it is time to call the vote, the proposer or a member of the PMC posts an email with the subject line starting with [VOTE]. This helps community members not miss an important vote thread. It also indicates that this is not a consensus-building conversation but a formal vote.

Casting Your Vote

The notation used in voting is:

If you object you must support your objection and provide an alternative course of action that you are willing and able to implement (where appropriate).