Which of the following is NOT a reason to take a Recess?

• A. Change the committee's name
• B. Count ballots
• C. Secure information
• D. Allow informal consultation

Answer: (A)

Taking a recess is a procedural pause that helps the group handle tasks more efficiently by stepping away briefly. It’s typically used to count ballots, secure information, or allow members to confer informally without dragging out the main debate. These are temporary actions that don’t change the committee’s structure or decisions. Changing the committee's name, however, is a formal, substantive change that would require a motion, notice, debate, and a vote in accordance with the bylaws or charter. A recess alone cannot enact a name change. So this option is not a valid reason to take a recess.