I have a question about Robert's rules of order.

After the vote for and against is taken, if a member asks about 
abstentions, should the chair ask how many people abstain ( note, the 
chair was counting the number of votes for and against)? In this case 
the chair said Robert's rules of order to not allow abstentions to be 
counted.

I realize that an abstention does not count in terms of whether a motion 
wins or loses. The question is whether the number of abstentions should 
be recorded if the request is made?

if anyone is an expert on these questions, would you mind getting back 
to me please? If you could also reference the place in Robert's rules 
where any relevant point is located I would be grateful.

Thanks.

Sally