Parliamentary Procedure 
General Information

Motions in Order of Precedence

Motions in No Particular Order 
 

There are 4 general types of Motions. 

1.  Main Motions introduce subjects to the assembly for its consideration.  They cannot be made when another motion is before the assembly.  They yield to privileged, subsidiary and incidental motions. For example, "I move that we host a parents day reception on October 31, 1999." 

2.  Subsidiary Motions change or affect how the main motion is handled.  They are voted upon before the main motion.  For example, "I move that the question before the assembly be amended by changing October 31 to October 24." 

3.  Privileged Motions are more urgent about special or important matters not related to pending business.  For example, "I move we adjourn." 

4.  Incidental Motions are questions of procedure that arise out of other motions. They must be considered before the other motion. For example, "I move to suspend the rules on time limits so that the discussion can be extended for a maximum of 2 minutes." 

Questions Relating to Motions 

Is it in order? 
Your motion must relate to the business at hand and be presented at the right time.  It must not e obstructive, frivolous or against the bylaws. 

Do I need a second? 
Usually, yes.  A second indicates that another member would like to consider your motion.  It prevents spending time on a question which interests only one person. 

Can it be amended? 
Some motions can be altered by striking out, inserting, or both at once.  Amendments must relate to subject as presented in the main motion. 

Can it be reconsidered? 
Some motions can be re-debated and re-voted to give members a chance to change their minds.  The move to reconsider must come from the winning side. 

May I interrupt the speaker? 
Some motions are so important that the speaker may be interrupted to make them.  The original speaker regains the floor after the interruption has been attended to. 

Is it debatable? 
Parliamentary procedure guards the right to free and full debate on most motions.  Some privileged and incidental motions are not debatable. 

What vote is needed? 
Most require only a majority vote but motions concerning the rights of the assembly of its members need a 2/3 vote to be adopted.  

How do I present my motion?

1.  Obtain the floor
a.  Wait until the last speaker is finished. 
b.  Rise and address the chair. 
     Say, "Madam (or Mr.) Chairperson (or President). 
c.  Give your name.  The chair will recognize you by repeating it.

2.  Make your motion
a.  Speak clearly and concisely. 
b.  State your motion affirmatively. 
     Say, "I move that we . . ." as opposed to, 
     "I move that we do not . . .." 
c.  Avoid personalities and stay on the subject.

3.  Wait for a second
a.  Another member will say, "I second the motion." 
b.  Or the chair will call for a second. 
c.  If there is not a second, your motion will not be considered.

4.  Chair states the motion
The chairperson must say, "it is moved and seconded that we . . .. 
After this happens, debate or voting can occur. 
Your motion is now "assembly property" and you can't change it without consent of the members.

5.  Expand on your motion
a.  Mover is allowed to speak first. 
b.  Direct all comments to the chairperson. 
c.  Keep to the time limit for speaking. 
d.  You may speak again after all other speakers are finished. 
e.  You may speak a third time by a motion to suspend the rules 
     with a 2/3 vote.

6.  Putting the question
a.  The chairperson asks, "Are you ready for the question?" 
b.  If there is no more discussion a vote is taken. 
     The chairperson announces the results. 
c.  Or motion for previous question may be adopted.

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