Parliamentary Procedure

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Kinds of Motions

8 Things to Know About a Motion

Motions in Detail

V. Common Kinds of Motions

There are literally dozens of kinds of motions, most of the Subsidiary or Appendage motions. Roberts Rules of Order lists about 87 different kinds of motions. These materials cover only the more common kinds (and some of them may not be all that common).

In each case, you will find a description of the motion, some specific rules that apply to it, and an example showing the use of the motion. The example is in a different font,like this.

A. To Fix the Time of the Next Meeting

This motion enjoys the highest precedence since in the absence of a date, time and place for the next meeting, a motion to adjourn not only adjourns that meeting but future meetings. Note that if you are simply moving to change the date time and place of a previously scheduled meeting, it's a main motion and not a high precedence motion.

1. Rules

  1. Privileged only when there is not date and time set for the next meeting
  2. When privileged, take precedence over all other motion except a motion to recess which is already pending.
  3. Is in order even after a vote to adjourn if the result of the vote has not yet been announced by the Chair.
  4. May be amended, but only by changing the date, time or place of the next meeting.
  5. Not debatable when another meeting is before the assembly.
  6. Not subject to subsidiary motions except amendment.

2. Example

Member: Mr. Chairman, I move that when this assembly adjourns, it adjourn to meet on May 15 at 10:00 AM at the main office.

Chair: It is moved and seconded that when this assembly adjourns it adjourn to meet on May 15 at 10:00 AM at the main office. Those in favor say 'Aye.' Those opposed say 'Nay.'

AYE VOTE: The Ayes have it. The motion fixing the time for the next meeting is carried. The next meeting will be held on May 15 at 10:00 AM at the main office.

NAY VOTE: The Nays have it. The motion is defeated. There is no date, time or place set for the next meeting.

B. To Adjourn (Recess)

Mark Twain said that a motion to adjourn is always in order. You can see that's not quite right. But he was close. Only a motion to set the time of the next meeting has higher precedence.

1. Rules

  1. When unqualified, take precedence over all motions except to fix time for the next meeting.
  2. When qualified, it is without privilege.
  3. Is in order even after a vote is ordered on the main question.
  4. Debatable only when not privileged, or when adjournment would cause dissolution of the assembly.
  5. Renewable, but only after some progress.
  6. Not privileged when no time has been fixed for the next meeting.
  7. Not debatable when privileged.
  8. Cannot be reconsidered, amended or have any other subsidiary motion applied to it if it is unqualified.
  9. It is not always in order.
  10. A quorum is not required for its adoption.

2. Example

Member: "Mr. Chairman, I move that we adjourn."

Chair: It is moved and seconded that we adjourn. Those in favor of adjournment say 'Aye.' Those opposed say 'Nay'"

AYE VOTE: The Ayes have it. The motion to adjourn is carried. You stand adjourned."

NAY VOTE: The Nays have it. The motion to adjourn is defeated. The next order of business..."

C. Question of Privilege

A question of privilege can be personal or affect the group. Questions or privilege that affect the entire group have precedence. Question of privilege often result in privileged motion. See examples below.

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence over all other motions except a motion to adjourn and to fix the time of the next meeting.
  2. Questions or privilege that affect the honor, dignity or safety of the assembly are superior to those that affect only individuals.
  3. May interrupt the speaker if immediate action is required.
  4. Are decided by the chair subject to appeal to the assembly.
  5. May be disposed of by any subsidiary motion, but a such motion affects only the question of privilege or the resulting privileged motion, not the main motion.
  6. Final action need not be taken at once.
  7. The Chair decides only if it is a question of privilege, not, usually, the particular action that may be required.

2. Examples

a) Question of Privilege

Member: Mr. Chairman, I rise to a question of privilege.

Chair: Please state your question.

Member: I request that the speaker be asked to go to the front of the room so that all can hear her.

Chair: Your privilege is granted. Will the speaker please come to the front of the room."

b) Privileged motion

Member: Mr. Chairman, I rise to a question of privilege.

Chair: Please state your question.

Member: As a question of privilege, I move that the visitors be asked to leave the room till this business is concluded.

Chair: Your privilege is granted. It is moved that the visitors be asked to leave the room till this business is concluded. Is there a second...

D. To Call for the Orders of the Day

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence over all other motion except to adjourn and questions of privilege.
  2. May interrupt a speaker to call for a special order, but not a general order.
  3. To be privileged, the call must be for orders generally, not for any particular one.
  4. A general order may be postponed by a majority vote.
  5. A special order may be postponed by a two-thirds vote.
  6. Orders of the day may be taken up by the Chair without a motion or a vote if no one objects.
  7. Does not require a second.
  8. Is not debatable or amendable.
  9. A call for the orders cannot be renewed until the pending question is disposed of.

2. Example

Member: Mr. Chairman, I call for the order of the day.

Chair: If there is no objection, the order of the day will now be taken up.

E. Rise to a Point of Order

1. Rules

  1. May interrupt the speaker, or even a vote if need be.
  2. The point of order is decided by the Chair, subject to appeal of the Chair.
  3. The Chair may briefly state the reasons for the decision.
  4. The Chair may, in his discretion, refer the point of order to the Assembly.
  5. A member having the floor when the point of order is raised must yield until the point of order is decided.
  6. A point of order must be raised immediately after the error occurs.
  7. Does not require a second and is not debatable.
  8. No other motion may apply to it.
  9. Rising for information is always directed to the chair.

2. Example

Member: Mr. Chair, I rise to a point of order.

Chair: State your point of order.

Member: The present motion is out of order. There is a motion pending before the assembly.

Chair: Your point is well taken. The proposed motion is out of order.

OR

Your point is not well taken. The speaker will continue.

F. Appeal the Ruling of the Chair

1. Rules

  1. Must be seconded.
  2. Takes precedence over the question which gives rise to it.
  3. Is in order even when another member has the floor.
  4. Yields to adjournment, questions of privilege, and orders of the day.
  5. Subject to motion to table and to close debate, if debatable.
  6. Effect of motion to table is to kill the appeal without debate and sustain the vote of the chair.
  7. A tie vote on appeal sustains the ruling of the chair.
  8. Not in order unless made immediately following the ruling of the chair.
  9. Not in order when another appeal is pending.
  10. Chair's rulings are final during pending of an appeal.
  11. Not debatable if made when an undebatable motion is pending.
  12. Not debatable if appeal relates only to decorum, to violation of rules or to order of business.
  13. Cannot be amended.
  14. If debate is closed on the appeal or the appeal is tabled, those actions do not affect the main motion pending.

2. Example

Member: Mr. Chairman, I appeal the ruling of the Chair.

Chair: There is an appeal from the decision of the Chair. Is there a second? Those in favor of sustaining the decision of the Chair say 'Aye.' Those opposed to sustaining the decision of the Chair say 'Nay.'

AYE VOTE: The Ayes have it and the decision of the Chair is sustained.

NAY VOTE: The Nays have it and the decision of the Chair is reversed by the decision of the Assembly.

G. To Suspend the Rules

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence over the main motion and all subsidiary motions, but yields to privileged motions.
  2. Requires two-thirds vote.
  3. Rules can be suspended only if the rules themselves so provide.
  4. The motion to suspend the rules is exhausted on the one purpose stated in the motion.
  5. Cannot be debated.
  6. Cannot have any subsidiary motion attached to it.
  7. Cannot be reconsidered.
  8. Cannot be renewed for the same purpose, except at a later meeting.

2. Example

Member: Ms. Chair, I move to suspend the rules to allow taking up the budget.

Chair: It is moved and seconded that we suspend the rules to take up the budget. All in favor of suspending the rules to take up the budget ...

H. To Create Special Orders

Special orders and general orders are items of business taken up outside of the agenda or regular rules of procedure for the Assembly. A special order is a general order set for a specific time.

1. Rules

  1. May be made as a main motion or as a motion to postpone to a certain day or time.
  2. Requires a two-thirds majority
  3. At the time specified, a special order takes precedence over any interfering general order.
  4. Has no privilege over ordinary main motions or a motion to postpone to a certain day.

2. Example

Member: Ms. Chair, I move that we postpone consideration of the report of the rules committee until 3:00 PM, and make it a special order for that time."

Chair: It is moved and seconded that we postpone consideration of the rules committee report until 3:00 PM and make it a special order at that time. Is there any discussion either on the postponement or making it a special order for that time?" (Requires two-thirds vote)

I. To Withdraw (or Renew) a Motion

1. Rules

  1. A main motion may be withdrawn (by the mover) at any time before final action is reached, provided no one objects.
  2. If objection is made, leave to withdraw may be granted by a motion to that effect moved by another member.
  3. Cannot be debated.
  4. Cannot be amended.

2. Example

Member: (Who made main motion) Ms. Chair, I desire to withdraw my motion.

Chair: Mr. Bushmat asks leave to withdraw his motion. If there is no objection the motion will be withdrawn.

Other Member: Ms. Chair, I object to withdrawal of the motion.

Another member: Ms. Chair, I move that Mr. Bushmat be allowed to withdraw his motion.

Chair: Is is moved and seconded that Mr. Bushmat be allowed to withdraw his motion. Those in favor ...

J. Division of the House

If a vote is too close to permit easy verification of the outcome, a member or the Chair may ask for a division of the house or, in extreme cases, a ballot.

1. Rules

  1. After a voice vote, any member may call for a division of the house, or the Chair may call for a division.
  2. A division may be by raising hands, standing or physical division.
  3. A motion to ballot or roll call vote is not debatable.
  4. When balloting is adopted, the Chair should appoint two or more tellers to tally the votes and report the results to the secretary.

2. Examples

a) Division of the house

Member: (immediately following voice vote) Mr. Chairman, I call for a division of the house.

Chair: All in favor of the motion to accept the treasurer's report raise their hand...

b) Motion for Ballot

Member: (Immediately following vote) Mr. Chairman, I move for a roll call vote.

Chair: There is a motion for a roll call vote. Is there a second?

K. To Object to Consideration

1. Rules

  1. Applies only to main motion and to questions of privilege
  2. Is in order only when question is first introduced and before debate.
  3. May interrupt member speaking.
  4. Requires a two thirds vote against consideration.
  5. Chairman may raise the issue for consideration.
  6. Requires no second.
  7. Cannot be debated or amended.
  8. If more than one third of the assembly votes in favor of consideration, the a motion to lay on the table is not immediately in order.

2. Example

Member: I move we not have a Christmas party.

Other member: Mr. Chairman, I object to the consideration of this motion because it is stated as a negative.

Chair: There is an objection the consideration of the motion. Those in favor of considering the motion ...

L. To Lay on the Table (or To Take from the Table)

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence over all subsidiary motions.
  2. May be applied to main motion, to appeals, to reconsideration, and to privileged motions that arise under questions of privilege.
  3. Is in order when motion to close debate is pending or has been carried.
  4. Cannot be debated or amended.
  5. Not in order immediately after has voted down an objection to consideration - has voted to consider the main motion.
  6. Cannot have any subsidiary motion attached to it.
  7. Cannot apply to any subsidiary motion.

2. Example

Member: Ms. Chairwoman, I move we table the main motion.

Chair: It is moved and seconded that the assembly table the main motion. Those is favor of the motion to table...

M. Close Debate (or Move the Previous Question or Limit Debate)

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence over all debatable questions and all subsidiary motions except to table
  2. Requires a two-thirds vote
  3. Its effect is confined to the immediately pending motion, unless it specifically provides for broader effect - "Close all debate"
  4. No additional subsidiary motion may be made except to "lay on the table."
  5. Cannot be debated or amended.

2. Examples

When members "Call for the question" or simply shout "Question" they are NOT moving for the previous question, or to close debate. It is an appropriate response to the Chair's inquiry, "Is there for further debate?" and means "No." Outside of that context, it is out of order.

a) To close debate

Member: Ms. Chairwoman, I move the previous question.

Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the assembly close debate. Those in favor of closing debate...

b) To limit debate

Member: Ms. Chairwoman, I move that debate be limited to five minutes per member.

Chair: It has been moved and seconded that debate be limited to five minutes per member. Those in favor of limiting debate...

N. To Postpone to a Time Certain

1. Rules

  1. Applies only to the main motion
  2. Takes precedence over a motion to refer, amend or postpone indefinitely
  3. May be amended but only by altering time.
  4. If the intent is to create a special order for the time fixed, this motion requires a two-thirds vote.
  5. The motion postponed becomes a general order for the day named and cannot be taken up earlier except by a two-thirds vote, unless a motion to reconsider is still in order.
  6. Debatable only as to the propriety of postponement.

2. Example

Member: Ms. Chairwoman, I move we postpone this motion until the January 15 meeting.

Chair: It is moved and seconded we postpone consideration of the pending motion until January 15.

Other Member: The matter should not be postponed until January 15 because a decision must be made before January 1.

Chair: Is there additional debate on the propriety of postponement to January 15?

O. To Refer to a Committee (or Recommit)

1. Rules

  1. Debatable both as to instructions to the committee and the advisability of commitment.
  2. May be amended by changing or instructing the committee.
  3. Takes precedence over amendment to main motion and over motion to postpone indefinitely.
  4. Cannot be applied to a subsidiary motion.
  5. If no standing committee exists, the motion to refer should include the size of the committee and the method of selecting the members.

2. Example

Member: Ms. Chairwoman, I move the motion be referred to a committee of three members selected by the Chair.

Chair: It is moved and seconded that the main motion be referred...

P. To Amend

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence only over the motion to which it applies.
  2. May be amended by an amendment to the amendment
  3. May be divided (if incoherent) by motion to divide, even after debate is closed.
  4. Chair decides propriety of amendment, subject to appeal.
  5. Neither yields to nor has precedence over motion to postpone indefinitely.
  6. An amendment to an amendment cannot be amended -- third degree amendments are not permitted.
  7. To table, postpone or refer an amendment to the main question is the same as tabling, postponing or referring the main question. For the sake of clarity, the motion to table, postpone or refer should be applied to the main question.

2. Example

Member: Ms. Chairwoman, I move to amend the main motion by inserting the word 'Charitable' before the word 'agencies' in the second sentence.

Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the main motion be amended to read 'Charitable agencies' instead of 'agencies.'

Other member: I move to amend the amendment by inserting the word 'United Way' before the word 'Charitable' in the amendment.

Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the main motion be amended that the amendment be modified to read 'United Way Charitable agencies' instead of 'Charitable agencies.'

Q. To Postpone Indefinitely

The only purpose of this motion is to allow the opposition to see how the assembly will vote on the main question without having the main motion actually come to a vote.

1. Rules

  1. Takes the precedence only of the main motion.
  2. Opens main question to debate.
  3. Removes subject for the session.
  4. Applies only to the main question and questions of privilege.
  5. Does not yield to amendments.
  6. Not subject to subsidiary motions except to close debate.

2. Example

Member: Mr. Chairman, I move we postpone consideration of the main question indefinitely.

Chair: It is moved and seconded that we postpone consideration of the question indefinitely. Is there discussion?

R. Main Question

1. Rules

  1. Takes precedence over nothing and yields to everything except another main motion offered later.
  2. Should be in writing if complicated.
  3. May be divided, if advisable, by a motion to divide it.