What type of voting is not permitted among commission members?

Voting by proxy is not permitted among commission members primarily because it undermines the principles of accountability and transparency that are fundamental to the decision-making processes of governing bodies. Proxy voting allows a member to delegate their vote to another individual, which can lead to situations where those who are not fully informed or engaged in the discussions influence outcomes. This practice can diminish the integrity of the votes and the overall decision-making process, as it may prevent all members from directly participating in discussions that inform their votes.

In contrast, open voting and voting in secret serve different purposes and can be acceptable in various contexts. Open voting fosters transparency, allowing stakeholders and the public to observe the choices made by commission members. On the other hand, secret voting can protect individuals from potential retribution or pressure, particularly in sensitive matters. Absentee voting, while less common in commission settings, is typically allowed in contexts where members cannot physically attend due to valid reasons. Thus, the rejection of voting by proxy helps maintain a healthy, democratic, and transparent governance structure.