Want to get stuff done?

Want to STOP bad things from happening?

Trying to get the Senate to take up an item of concern?

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!

Procedure for Handling a Main Motion

NOTE: Nothing goes to discussion without a motion being on the floor.

1. Obtaining and Assigning the Floor

  • A member raises their hand when no one else has the floor.
  • The chair then recognizes the member by name.

2. How the Motion is Brought Before the Assembly

  • The member makes the motion: “I move that…” and resumes their seat.
  • Another member seconds the motion: “I second the motion,” or “I second it,” or “Second.”
  • The chair states the motion: “It is moved and seconded that… Are you ready for the question?”

3. Consideration of the Motion

  • Members can debate the motion.
  • Before speaking in debate, members obtain the floor.
  • The maker of the motion has the first right to the floor if they claim it properly.
  • Debate must be confined to the merits of the motion.
  • Debate can be closed only by order of the assembly (2/3 vote) or by the chair if no one seeks the floor for further debate.

4. The Chair Puts the Motion to a Vote

  1. The chair asks: “Are you ready for the question?” If no one rises to claim the floor, the chair proceeds to take the vote.
  2. The chair says: “The question is on the adoption of the motion that… As many as are in favor, say ‘Aye.’” (Pause for response.) “Those opposed, say ‘Nay.'” (Pause for response.) “Those abstained, please say ‘Aye.’”
  3. The chair announces the result of the vote:
    • “The ayes have it, the motion carries, and…” (indicating the effect of the vote), or
    • “The nays have it and the motion fails.”

When Debating Your Motions

  • Listen to the other side.
  • Focus on issues, not personalities.
  • Avoid questioning motives.
  • Be polite.

Quick Reference: Making Motions

Proposing a New Idea

After recognition, make a main motion.

“Madame Chairman, I move that _________.”

Amending a Motion

You want to change wording that is being discussed.

“Madame Chairman, I move that the motion be amended by adding/striking out _________.”

Refer to a Committee

An idea needs more study and investigation.

“Madame Chairman, I move that the question be referred to [Committee Name].”

Postpone Definitely

You want more time to consider the question.

“Madame Chairman, I move to postpone the question until ________.”

Previous Question

You want to stop discussion and vote immediately.

“Madam President, I move the previous question.”

Limit Debate

You want to restrict the length of discussion.

“Madam President, I move to limit discussion to two minutes per speaker.”

Postpone Indefinitely

You want to kill a motion that is being discussed.

“Madam Moderator, I move to postpone the question indefinitely.”

Recess

You want to take a break for a while.

“Madame Moderator, I move to recess for ten minutes.”

Adjournment

You want the meeting to end.

“Madame Chairman, I move to adjourn.”

Withdraw a Motion

You are sorry you made a motion and want to retract it.

“Madam President, I ask permission to withdraw my motion.”

Call for Orders of the Day

The approved agenda is not being followed.

Without recognition: “Call for orders of the day.”

Suspending the Rules

You need to jump ahead in the agenda to ensure an item is heard.

“Madam Chairman, I move to suspend the rules and move item 5 to position 2.”

Point of Personal Privilege

You are having trouble hearing or experiencing a facility issue.

Without recognition: “Point of personal privilege.”

Committee of the Whole

You are proposing a highly controversial question.

“Madame Chairman, I move that we go into a committee of the whole.”

Point of Order

The meeting is not following proper parliamentary rules.

Without recognition: “I rise to a point of order.”

Point of Information / Inquiry

You need facts or clarification on parliamentary rules.

Without recognition: “Point of information/inquiry.”

Rule Classification and Requirements

Class of Rule Requirements to Adopt Requirements to Suspend
Charter Adopted by majority vote or as provided by law or governing authority. Cannot be suspended.
Bylaws Adopted by membership. Cannot be suspended.
Special Rules of Order Previous notice & 2/3 vote, or a majority of entire membership. 2/3 Vote.
Standing Rules Majority vote. Can be suspended for session by majority vote during a meeting.
Modified Roberts Rules of Order Adopted in bylaws. 2/3 vote.