When is a "roll call" important during a meeting?

A "roll call" is important during a meeting primarily to account for members' attendance and establish a quorum. This process helps determine whether enough members are present to conduct official business, as most organizations require a certain number of members to be present to make decisions or pass motions. By verifying attendance, the meeting organizers can ensure that they are meeting the required legal and organizational standards for decision-making.

The notion of establishing a quorum is essential for maintaining the integrity of the meeting process. Without a quorum, any votes or decisions made would be considered invalid, thereby undermining the meeting's purpose. This is why roll call is typically one of the first activities conducted—it sets the stage for productive and legitimate discussions that follow.

The other options reflect useful aspects of a meeting but do not directly address the fundamental role of roll call in terms of validating attendance and ensuring that the meeting can proceed with authority.