A member authorized to substitute for another member is called what?

• A. Substitute
• B. Delegate
• C. Proxy
• D. Alternate

Answer: (D)

An alternate is a designated member who can take the seat and voting rights of another member when that member is absent. The purpose is to maintain full representation and keep the body able to act; the alternate only steps in when the regular member is unavailable. When the regular member is present, the alternate does not participate. This differs from a proxy, who votes for a member who is not present under specific authorization for a meeting, and from a delegate, who represents a group rather than substituting for a single member in the body. The term 'substitute' is not the formal designation in Robert's Rules; the formal term is 'alternate.'