Technical Abstract: The scientific names of plants are governed by the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. This set of rules is modified following discussion and voting on proposals for changes that take place at the International Botanical Congresses held every four years. At present only herbaria of a certain size or larger are allowed to vote on proposals for changes. Some botanists at small herbaria suggest that their views are no adequately represented at the nomenclature session especially in regard to voting on changes in the Code. This article discusses the rationale for allowing voting rights for small herbaria.