Bylaws need not be overly complex. I am confused about which rules are dictated by the by-laws of the agency and which by Robert's Rules of Order . The bylaws of the agency would take precedence over Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised . State and federal laws prevail over the bylaws. The by-laws state that normally, a vote carries with a majority of those present provided that there is a quorum.
Bylaws often contain such provisions.
The by-laws do not mention this. Simple answer is no. The board could pass a motion to have a mail ballot, which would enable those absent to cast a vote on an important question. This method is not a form of proxy voting, but a ballot procedure often used. The chair of the board is under the impression that the chairperson votes only in the case of a tie.