3:1 The basic parliamentary concepts and practices are interconnected in such a way that a complete statement of the rules that relate to any one of them frequently involves reference to several other concepts. This section contains an initial explanation of a number of these topics, which are given a more detailed treatment later in this book.
3:2 In reading all that follows throughout this manual, it should be borne in mind that—as in any treatment of any subject—a statement of a rule generally cannot include all possible exceptions to the rule. Whenever a particular statement appears to conflict with a more general statement elsewhere in the book, therefore, the particular statement governs in the matter to which it states that it applies (see also 56:68(3)).
3:3 Quorum of Members. The minimum number of members who must be present at the meetings of a deliberative assembly for business to be validly transacted is the quorum of the assembly. The requirement of a quorum is a protection against totally unrepresentative action in the name of the body by an unduly small number of persons. In both houses of Congress, the quorum is a majority of the members, by the United States Constitution. Such a quorum is appropriate in legislative bodies but too large in most voluntary societies. In an ordinary society, therefore, a provision of the bylaws should specify the number of members that shall constitute a quorum, which should approximate the largest number that can be depended on to attend any meeting except in very bad weather or other extremely unfavorable conditions. In the absence of such a provision in a society or assembly whose real membership can be accurately determined at any time—that is, in a body having an enrolled membership composed only of persons who maintain their status as members in a prescribed manner—the quorum is a majority of the entire membership, by the common parliamentary law.
3:4 In the meetings of a convention, unless the bylaws of the organization provide otherwise, the quorum is a majority of the delegates who have been registered at the convention as in attendance, irrespective of whether some may have departed. In a mass meeting, or in a regular or properly called meeting of an organization whose bylaws do not prescribe a quorum and whose membership is loosely determined (as, for example, in many church congregations or alumni associations), there is no minimum number of members who must be present for the valid transaction of business, or—as it is usually expressed—the quorum consists of those who attend the meeting.
3:5 (The rules relating to the quorum are more fully stated in 40.)
3:6 Minimum Officers. The minimum essential officers for the conduct of business in a deliberative assembly are a presiding officer, who conducts the meeting and sees that the rules are observed, and a secretary, or clerk, who makes a written record of what is done—usually called “the minutes.” If the officers are members of the assembly—as they usually are in ordinary societies—they are counted in determining whether a quorum is present.
3:7 The presiding officer should be placed so that, even when he is seated—on a high stool if necessary when behind a lectern—he can see the entire hall and all present can see him (see also 47:5). The presiding officer’s official place or station (usually in the center of the platform or stage, if there is one) is called “the chair.” During meetings, whoever is presiding is said to be “in the chair” (whether standing or seated at the time), and he is also referred to as “the chair.” The phrase “the chair” thus applies both to the person presiding and to his station in the hall from which he presides. The secretary’s desk should be placed so that papers can easily be passed to him from the chair during the meeting.
3:8 The duties of the presiding officer, the secretary, and other officers that an assembly or society may have are described in 47.
3:9 Customs of formality that are followed by the presiding officer and members under parliamentary procedure serve to maintain the chair’s necessary position of impartiality and help to preserve an objective and impersonal approach, especially when serious divisions of opinion arise.
3:10 Customs Observed by Members. The president or chief officer of an organized society, who normally presides at its meetings, is then addressed as “Mr. President” or “Madam President” (whether a married or unmarried woman), “Mr. [or Madam] Moderator,” or by whatever may be his or her official title. In the lower house of a legislative body, this officer is most commonly “Mr. [or Madam] Speaker.” A vice-president is addressed as “Mr. President” or “Madam President” while actually presiding. (A possible exception may arise where the usual form would make the meaning unclear—for example, when the vice-president is in the chair while the president is also on the platform. In such an instance, the vice-president is addressed as “Mr. [or Madam] Vice-President.”) A person presiding at a meeting who has no regular title or whose position is only temporary is addressed as “Mr. [or Madam] Chairman” by long-established usage. Several variations of this form—such as “chairperson” or “chair”—are now frequently encountered, however, and may be in use as the general practice in particular assemblies.
3:11 Even in a small meeting, the presiding officer of an assembly is not addressed or referred to by name. (The only exceptions that might arise in an assembly1 would be in cases of a testimonial nature, such as in the presentation of a gift to a president who is about to go out of office.) With nearly the same strictness of observance, he is not addressed by the personal pronoun “you”—although occasional exceptions may occur in ordinary societies if brief administrative consultation takes place during a meeting. As a general rule, when additional reference to the presiding officer is necessary in connection with addressing him by his official title, members speak of him as “the chair”—as in, “Mr. President, do I understand the chair to state…?”
3:12 Members address only the chair, or address each other through the chair. In the parliamentary transaction of business—within a latitude appropriate to the conditions of the particular body—members generally should try to avoid mentioning another member’s name whenever the person involved can be described in some other way, as in, “Mr. President, may I ask the member to explain…,” or, “Mr. Chairman, I hope that the gentleman who last spoke will think of the probable consequences…” With a very limited number of particular exceptions, and except in committees and small boards, a member never speaks while seated;2 and with a slightly larger number of exceptions, a member does not speak without first having obtained the floor as described in 3:30–35.
3:13 Customs Observed by the Presiding Officer. The presiding officer speaks of himself only in the third person—that is, he never uses the personal pronoun “I.” In actual parliamentary proceedings he always refers to himself as “the chair”—as in, “The chair rules that…” At other times during meetings—such as when he makes a report to the members in the capacity of an administrative officer of the organization rather than as presiding officer of the assembly—he may, if he wishes, describe himself by his official title, as in, “Your President is pleased to report…” Strictly speaking, the chair does not mention a member’s name and does not address an individual member as “you,” except in connection with certain disciplinary procedures (see 61:12). Instead he may say, for example, “The chair must ask the member to confine his remarks to the merits of the pending question.” In practice in an ordinary lay assembly, however, there are a number of occasions where the chair often refers to members by name, such as when assigning the floor (that is, the exclusive right to be heard at that time, as explained in 3:30–35), or when announcing the members of a committee.
3:14 (For more complete explanations of the general forms observed by the presiding officer and members in an assembly, see 42 and 43.)
3:15 When the time of a meeting has arrived, the presiding officer opens it, after he has determined that a quorum is present, by calling the meeting to order. He takes the chair (that is, occupies the presiding officer’s station in the hall), waits or signals for quiet, and, while standing, announces in a clear voice, “The meeting will come to order,” or, “The meeting will be in order.” (For the procedure to be followed when a quorum of members do not appear, see 40:6–10.) The call to order may be immediately followed by religious or patriotic exercises or other opening ceremonies.
3:16 The initial procedures in a mass meeting or in one called to form a society are described in 53 and 54. Meetings of permanently organized bodies usually follow an established order of business that specifies the sequence in which certain general types or classes of business are to be brought up or permitted to be introduced. If the assembly has no binding order of business, any member who obtains the floor (see 3:30–35) can introduce any legitimate matter he desires (within the objects of the organization as defined in its bylaws) at any time when no business is before the assembly for consideration. A society may follow the order of business given in the manual that the bylaws of the organization designate as its parliamentary authority, or it may have adopted its own particular order of business. Although an organization has no binding order of business until it has either adopted its own or has adopted a parliamentary authority that specifies one, the following order of business (which is fully explained in 41) has come to be regarded as usual or standard for one-meeting sessions (see 8) of ordinary societies:
1) Reading and Approval of Minutes3
2) Reports of Officers, Boards, and Standing (that is, permanently established) Committees
3) Reports of Special (Select or Ad Hoc) Committees (that is, committees appointed to exist only until they have completed a specified task)
4) Special Orders (that is, matters which have previously been assigned a type of special priority, as explained in 14 and 41)
5) Unfinished Business and General Orders (that is, matters which have come over from the preceding meeting or which have been scheduled for the present meeting)
6) New Business (that is, matters initiated in the present meeting)
3:17 In a meeting where an established order of business is being followed, the chair calls for the different classes of business in the prescribed order.
3:18 A mass meeting usually requires no order of business, since, referring to the headings listed above, there is nothing but new business to be brought up (unless the meeting is one within a series).
3:19 A convention commonly adopts its own order of business—which often specifies the exact hours at which certain important questions are to be taken up. The order of business of a convention is known as the program, or the agenda, depending on whether it is interwoven with, or separate from, the overall schedule of convention meetings, events, etc. (see 41, 59).
3:20 A legislative body usually has a more elaborate order of business suited to its own needs.
3:21 Motions. Business is brought before an assembly by the motion of a member. A motion may itself bring its subject to the assembly’s attention, or the motion may follow upon the presentation of a report or other communication.
3:22 A motion is a formal proposal by a member, in a meeting, that the assembly take certain action. The proposed action may be of a substantive nature, or it may express a certain view or direct that a particular investigation be conducted and the findings be reported to the assembly for possible further action, or the like.
3:23 The basic form of motion—the only one whose introduction brings business before the assembly—is a main motion. There are also many other separate parliamentary motions that have evolved for specific purposes. While all of these motions propose some form of action and while all of them are said to be brought “before the assembly” when they are placed under consideration, most of them do not bring business before it in the sense described above—as a main motion does. Many of these motions involve procedural steps relating to a main motion already being considered.
3:24 The main motion sets a pattern from which all other motions are derived. In the remainder of this chapter, rules and explanations relating to “motions” have the main motion as their frame of reference. The manner in which a main motion is brought before the assembly is explained in 4:2ff.
3:25 Motions Growing out of Reports or Communications. After the presentation of the report of an officer, a board, or a committee, one or more motions to carry out recommendations contained in the report may be introduced. (For the procedures in such cases, see 41 and 51.)
3:26 A motion may also grow out of the presentation of a written communication to the assembly. This may be in the form of a letter or memorandum from a member who is not present, from a superior body (such as a state or national executive board to a local chapter), or from an outside source. A communication normally is addressed to the president or secretary and is read aloud by the secretary—unless the presiding officer properly should read it because of special importance of the content or source.
3:27 It is not customary to make a motion to receive a communication or a committee report, which means only to permit or cause such a paper to be read. This is an example of a case in the ordinary routine of business where the formality of a motion is dispensed with. It should be noted that a motion “to receive” a communication after it has been read is meaningless and is therefore not in order.
3:28 The reading of a communication does not in itself formally bring a question before the assembly. After the reading, or at the time provided by the order of business, a motion can be offered proposing appropriate action. If no member feels that anything needs to be done, the matter is dropped without a motion.
3:29 Business That Comes Up Without a Motion, Because of Previous Action. Business may come up automatically at a certain time or at a certain point in the order of business, if it has previously been postponed (14) or otherwise made a general or special order (41). In such cases, the business is announced at the proper time by the chair, and, if it has already been introduced in the form of a motion, no additional motion is made at that time.
3:30 Before a member in an assembly can make a motion or speak in debate—the parliamentary name given to any form of discussion of the merits of a motion—he must obtain the floor; that is, he must be recognized by the chair as having the exclusive right to be heard at that time. (For the parliamentary motions that can be made without obtaining the floor, See pages t44–t45.) The chair must recognize any member who seeks the floor while entitled to it.
3:31 To claim the floor, a member rises at his place when no one else has the floor (or goes to a microphone in a large hall), faces the chair, and says, “Mr. President,” or “Mr. Chairman,” or “Madam Chairman,” or whatever is the chair’s proper title.4 If the member is entitled to the floor at the time, the chair recognizes him—normally by announcing, as applicable, the person’s name or title, or the place or unit that he represents. This member then has the floor5 and can remain standing and speak in debate or make a motion as permitted under the rules in this book depending on the parliamentary situation at the time. If only one person is seeking the floor in a small meeting where all present know and can clearly see one another, the chair can recognize the member merely by nodding to him. On the other hand, if a speech is prearranged, or if several members are attempting to claim the floor at once in a large meeting, presiding officers often use the formal wording, “The chair recognizes Mr. Smith.” When the names of the members are not generally known, a person addressing the chair to claim the floor states his name and any necessary identification as soon as the presiding officer turns toward him, as “Edward Wells, Delegate, Crescent County.” The chair then assigns the floor by repeating the member’s name or identification. When the member finishes speaking, he yields the floor by resuming his seat.
3:32 If two or more rise at about the same time, the general rule is that, all other things being equal, the member who rose and addressed the chair first after the floor was yielded is entitled to be recognized. A member cannot establish “prior claim” to the floor by rising before it has been yielded. In principle, it is out of order to rise or be standing while another person has the floor—except for the purpose of making one of the motions or taking one of the parliamentary steps that can legitimately interrupt at such a time (pages t44–t45). In a very large assembly, if members must walk some distance to microphones, it may be necessary to vary from the preceding rule as dictated by conditions in the particular hall. Some arrangements used in large assemblies are outlined in 42:16–17.
3:33 While a motion is open to debate, there are three important cases where the floor is properly assigned to a person who may not have been the first to rise and address the chair (but who did so before anyone had actually been recognized). These cases are as follows:
1) If the member who made the motion claims the floor and has not already spoken on the question, he is entitled to be recognized in preference to other members.
2) No one is entitled to the floor a second time in debate on the same motion on the same day as long as any other member who has not spoken on this motion desires the floor.
3) In cases where the chair knows that persons seeking the floor have opposite opinions on the question (and the member to be recognized is not determined by (1) or (2) above), the chair lets the floor alternate, as far as possible, between those favoring and those opposing the measure. To accomplish this, the chair may say, for example, “Since the last speaker spoke in favor of the motion, who wishes to speak in opposition to the motion?” or “Since the last speaker opposed the motion, who wishes to speak in its favor?”
3:34 A member cannot rise for the purpose of claiming preference in being recognized (as this right is called in all of the above cases) after the chair has recognized another member. If at any time the chair makes a mistake, however, and assigns the floor to the wrong person—when preference in recognition was timely claimed or in any other case—his attention can be called to it by raising a Point of Order (23), and he must immediately correct the error.
3:35 The preceding rules usually are adequate for assigning the floor in most business meetings. In great assemblies or conventions, or in bodies that must handle a heavy agenda or complex issues, additional situations often occur where the best interests of the assembly require the floor to be assigned to a claimant who was not the first to rise and address the chair. (For the rules governing these cases, see 42.)
4:1 The handling of a motion varies in certain details according to conditions. In the ordinary case, especially under new business, there are six essential steps—three by which the motion is brought before the assembly, and three in the consideration of the motion.
4:2 The three steps by which a motion is normally brought before the assembly are as follows:
1) A member makes the motion. (The words move and offer also refer to this step. A person is said to “make a motion,” but he uses the word “move” when he does so. He is also said “to move” a particular proposal, as in “to move a postponement.”)
2) Another member seconds the motion.
3) The chair states the question on the motion. (The step of stating the question on the motion should not be confused with putting the question, which takes place later and means putting the motion to a vote.)
4:3 Neither the making nor the seconding of a motion places it before the assembly; only the chair can do that, by the third step (stating the question). When the chair has stated the question, the motion is pending, that is, “on the floor.” It is then open to debate (if it is a main motion or one of several other debatable parliamentary motions, which are described in later chapters). If the assembly decides to do what a motion proposes, it adopts the motion, or the motion is carried; if the assembly expressly decides against doing what the motion proposes, the motion is lost, or rejected.
4:4 Making a Motion. To make a main motion, a member must obtain the floor, as explained above, when no other question is pending and when business of the kind represented by the motion is in order. The member then makes his motion, in simple cases by saying, “I move that…[announcing what he proposes in a wording intended to become the assembly’s official statement of the action taken].” For more important or complex questions, or when greater formality is desired, he presents the motion in the form of a resolution. The usual wording then is, “I move the adoption of the following resolution: ‘Resolved, That…’”; or, “I offer the following resolution: ‘Resolved, That…’” (For additional information on the proper form for main motions and resolutions, see 10.)
4:5 A resolution or a long or complicated motion should be prepared in advance of the meeting, if possible, and should be put into writing before it is offered. The mover then passes it to the chair as soon as he has offered it. If conditions make it impractical for a member offering a written resolution to read it himself, he signs it and passes or sends it to the chair ahead of time (in a large meeting, often by page or messenger), or he can deliver it to the secretary before the meeting. In such a case the member offers his resolution by saying, “I move the adoption of the resolution relating to…, which I have sent to the chair [or “have delivered to the Secretary”],” identifying it by its subject matter; or, when moving its adoption, the member may identify the resolution by its designated title, number, letter, or the like. The chair then says, “The resolution offered by Mrs. A is as follows:…” or, “The Secretary will read the resolution offered by Mrs. A,” and the chair (or the secretary) reads the resolution in full. If the text of the resolution or motion has been distributed to the members in advance, however, it need not be read when moved.
4:6 As soon as a member has made a motion, he resumes his seat. He will have the right to speak first in debate, if he wishes, after the chair has stated the question. If the motion has not been heard or is not clear, another member can ask that it be repeated, which the chair can request the maker or the secretary to do, or can do himself.
4:7 Under parliamentary procedure, strictly speaking, discussion of any subject is permitted only with reference to a pending motion. When necessary, a motion can be prefaced by a few words of explanation, which must not become a speech; or a member can first request information, or he can indicate briefly what he wishes to propose and can ask the chair to assist him in wording an appropriate motion. In general, however, when a member has obtained the floor while no motion is pending—unless it is for a special purpose, such as to ask a question—he makes a motion immediately. Any desired improvements upon the member’s proposal can be accomplished by several methods after the motion has been made (for a summary, see 10:29–30).
4:8 For a member to begin to discuss a matter while no question is pending, without promptly leading to a motion, implies an unusual circumstance and requires permission of the assembly (see 33:22) in addition to obtaining the floor. In larger assemblies, this rule requires firm enforcement. In smaller meetings, it may sometimes be relaxed with constructive effect if the members are not accustomed to working under the standard rule. Unless the assembly has specifically authorized that a particular subject be discussed while no motion is pending, however, such a discussion can be entered into only at the sufferance of the chair or until a point of order is made; and in the latter case, the chair must immediately require that a motion be offered or the discussion cease. The general rule against discussion without a motion is one of parliamentary procedure’s powerful tools for keeping business “on track,” and an observance of its spirit can be an important factor in making even a very small meeting rapidly moving and interesting.6
4:9 Seconding a Motion. After a motion has been made, another member who wishes it to be considered says, “I second the motion,” or, “I second it,” or even, “Second!”—without obtaining the floor, and in small assemblies without rising.7 In large assemblies, and especially in those where nonmembers may be seated in the hall, the seconder stands, and without waiting to be recognized states his name (with other identification, if appropriate) and says, “Mr. President [or “Mr. Chairman”], I second the motion.” In some organizations, especially labor unions, the word “support” is used in place of “second.”
4:10 If no member seconds the motion, the chair must be sure that all have heard it before proceeding to other business. In such a case the chair normally asks, “Is there a second to the motion?” In a large hall he may repeat the motion before doing so. Or, if a resolution was submitted in writing and read by the chair or the secretary rather than by the mover (as described in 4:5), the chair may say, “Miss A has moved the adoption of the resolution just read. Is there a second to the resolution?”; or, if the text of the resolution has been distributed to the members in advance and was moved without being read, the chair may say, for example, “Miss A has moved the adoption of the resolution relating to…, as printed. Is there a second to the resolution?” If there still is no second, the chair says, “The motion [or “resolution”] is not seconded”; or, “Since there is no second, the motion is not before this meeting.” Then he immediately says, “The next item of business is…”; or, if appropriate, “Is there any further business?”
4:11 A second merely implies that the seconder agrees that the motion should come before the meeting and not that he necessarily favors the motion. A member may second a motion (even if using the word “support” as indicated above) because he would like to see the assembly go on record as rejecting the proposal, if he believes a vote on the motion would have such a result. A motion made by direction of a board or duly appointed committee of the assembly requires no second from the floor (provided the subordinate group is composed of more than one person), since the motion’s introduction has been directed by a majority vote within the board or committee and is therefore desired by at least two assembly members or elected or appointed persons to whose opinion the assembly is presumed to give weight regarding the board’s or committee’s concerns. (For rules governing the appointment of non–assembly members to committees, see 13:15, 50:12, and 50:13(d).)
4:12 The requirement of a second is for the chair’s guidance whether to state the question on the motion, thus placing it before the assembly. Its purpose is to prevent time from being consumed by the assembly’s having to dispose of a motion that only one person wants to see introduced.
4:13 In handling routine motions, less attention is paid to the requirement of a second. If the chair is certain that a motion meets with wide approval but members are slow in seconding it, he can state the question without waiting for a second. However, until debate has begun in such a case—or, if there is no debate, until the chair begins to take the vote and any member has voted—a point of order (see 23) can be raised that the motion has not been seconded; and then the chair must proceed formally and ask if there is a second. Such a point of order should not be made only for the sake of form, if it is clear that more than one member wishes to take up the motion. After debate has begun or, if there is no debate, after any member has voted, the lack of a second has become immaterial and it is too late to make a point of order that the motion has not been seconded. If a motion is considered and adopted without having been seconded—even in a case where there was no reason for the chair to overlook this requirement—the absence of a second does not affect the validity of the motion’s adoption.
4:14 (For lists of certain parliamentary motions that do not require a second, see pages t44–t45.)
4:15 The Stating of the Question by the Chair. When a motion that is in order has been made and seconded, the chair formally places it before the assembly by stating the question; that is, he states the exact motion and indicates that it is open to debate (and certain other parliamentary processes to be explained in 5 and 6) in the manner indicated below as appropriate to the case:
a) The basic form used by the chair in stating the question on an ordinary motion is, “It is moved and seconded that [or “to”]… [repeating the motion].” The chair then normally turns toward the maker of the motion to see if he wishes to be assigned the floor. If the maker does not claim the floor and, after a pause, no one else does, the chair may ask, “Are you ready for the question?” (or, less formally, “Is there any debate?”).8 For example, “It is moved and seconded that the Society allocate fifty dollars for…”; or, “… that fifty dollars be allocated…”; or, “It is moved and seconded to allocate fifty dollars for.… The chair recognizes Mr. A.”
b) In the case of a resolution, the chair may state the question by saying, “It is moved and seconded to adopt the following resolution [or, “… that the following resolution be adopted”]: ‘Resolved, That… [reading the resolution].’”
c) If the chair, in stating the question on a written resolution or motion, wishes the secretary to read it, he may state the question as follows: “It is moved and seconded to adopt the resolution which the Secretary will now read.” The secretary reads the resolution, after which the chair continues: “The question is on the adoption of the resolution just read.”
d) If a written resolution was not read by the mover but was read by the chair or the secretary before being seconded, the chair may state the question thus: “It is moved and seconded to adopt the resolution just read.”
e) The chair at his discretion may also use the form given immediately above in cases where the member offering a resolution has read it clearly and the chair is confident that all members have understood it. In such a case, however, any member has the right to have the motion or resolution read again when the question is stated.
f) Similarly, if the text of a resolution has been distributed to the members in advance, the chair may state the question without reading it in full, instead identifying the resolution by its subject or designated title, number, letter, or the like, as by saying, “It is moved and seconded to adopt the resolution relating to…, as printed.” In such a case, too, any member has the right to have the motion or resolution read by the chair or the secretary.
4:16 In principle, the chair must state the question on a motion immediately after it has been made and seconded, unless he is obliged to rule that the motion is not in order or unless, in his opinion, the wording is not clear.
4:17 Rules and explanations relating to the conditions under which various motions are not in order will be found particularly in 5, 6, and 7; in 10:26–27; and in the first three of the “Standard Descriptive Characteristics” given in the sections on each of the parliamentary motions (11–37). When a member who has legitimately obtained the floor offers a motion which is not in order, the chair may be able, in certain instances, to suggest an alternative motion which would be in order and would carry out the desired intent to the satisfaction of the maker. If the chair is obliged to rule that the motion is not in order, he says, “The chair rules that the motion is not in order [or “is out of order”] because… [briefly stating the reason].” (He must not say, “You are out of order,” nor, “Your motion is out of order.” To state that a member is out of order implies that the member is guilty of a breach of decorum or other misconduct in a meeting; and even in such a case, the chair does not normally address the member in the second person. See 3:13; also 61.) If the chair rules that a motion is not in order, his decision is subject to an appeal to the judgment of the assembly. (For procedure regarding Appeal, see 24.)
4:18 If a motion is offered in a wording that is not clear or that requires smoothing before it can be recorded in the minutes, it is the duty of the chair to see that the motion is put into suitable form—preserving the content to the satisfaction of the mover—before the question is stated. The chair must never admit a motion that the secretary would have to paraphrase for the record. The chair—either on his own initiative or at the secretary’s request—can require any main motion (10), amendment (12), or instructions to a committee to be in writing before he states the question.
4:19 Until the chair states the question, the maker has the right to modify his motion as he pleases or to withdraw it entirely. After the question has been stated by the chair, the motion becomes the property of the assembly, and then its maker can do neither of these things without the assembly’s consent (see 33:11–19); but while the motion is pending the assembly can change the wording of the motion by the process of amendment (12) before acting upon it.
4:20 After a motion has been made but before the chair states it or rules that it is not in order, no debate is in order. At such a time, however, any member can quickly rise and, without waiting to be recognized, can say, “Mr. President, I would like to ask the maker of the motion if he will accept the following modification:… [or, “… if he would be willing to change the words… to…”].” The maker then answers, “Mr. President, I accept [or “do not accept,” or “cannot accept”] the modification”; or, he can respond by making a different modification: “Mr. President, I will modify the motion as follows:…”
4:21 If the maker of a motion modifies it before the question is stated, a person who has seconded it has the right to withdraw his second; but if a modification is accepted as suggested by another member—either before or after the motion has been seconded—the suggester has in effect seconded the modified motion, so that no other second is necessary. Under any circumstances where a second is withdrawn but it is clear that another member favors consideration of the motion in its modified form, the chair treats the motion as seconded. If the maker makes any change in his motion and it remains, in effect, seconded, or (if necessary) is then seconded, the chair says, “It is moved and seconded…,” stating the question on the modified motion just as if it had been so moved originally. If a modification is suggested and the maker declines to make any change, the chair says, “The modification is not accepted,” and (provided that the motion has been seconded) he states the question on it as it was moved by the maker.
4:22 This procedure for modifying a motion before the question is stated is useful primarily for quickly handling simple, uncontroversial changes of the type that probably would not generate debate among the members present if proposed as amendments to a pending motion.
4:23 In a similar manner, before the question on a motion has been stated, any member who believes that the maker will immediately withdraw the motion if a certain fact is pointed out to him can quickly rise and say (without waiting for recognition), “Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask if the member would be willing to withdraw his motion in view of… [briefly stating the reasons for the suggested withdrawal].” The maker responds, “I withdraw [or “decline to withdraw”] the motion.” If the maker withdraws his motion, the chair says, “The motion is withdrawn,” and proceeds to the next business. If the purpose of the withdrawal was to deal with a more urgent matter first, the chair immediately recognizes the appropriate member to bring it up. If the maker is unwilling to withdraw his motion, the chair says, “The member declines to withdraw the motion,” and (if the motion has been seconded) he then states the question.
4:24 Before the question is stated no debate may accompany suggestions that a motion be modified or withdrawn. Time can often be saved, however, by brief informal consultation—which the chair has discretion to permit, provided that he or she is careful to see that it does not develop into an extended colloquy between members or take on the semblance of debate. The chair can frequently maintain the necessary control over such informal consultation by standing while it takes place (in contrast to the rule that he normally remains seated during debate unless it would obstruct his view of the members; see 47:9).
4:25 Once a main motion has been brought before the assembly through the three steps described above, there are three further basic steps by which the motion is considered in the ordinary and simplest case (unless it is adopted by unanimous consent, as explained in 4:58–63). These normal steps are as follows:
1) Members debate the motion (unless no member claims the floor for that purpose).
2) The chair puts the question (that is, puts it to a vote).
3) The chair announces the result of the vote.
4:26 In addition, while the motion is open to debate, the assembly may wish to take a number of actions as a part of the motion’s consideration—which can themselves be the subject of certain parliamentary motions, as explained in 5 and 6. In the following description of the three principal steps in the consideration of a main motion, it is assumed that none of these other motions are introduced.
4:27 Debate on the Question. Immediately after stating the question, the chair turns toward the maker of the motion to see if he wishes to be assigned the floor first in debate—to which the maker has the right if he claims it before anyone else has been recognized, even though others may have risen and addressed the chair first.
4:28 A member who desires to speak in debate must obtain the floor as described in 3:30–35. In assigning the floor, the chair follows the rules explained in the same paragraphs and in 42. In the debate, each member has the right to speak twice on the same question on the same day,9 but cannot make a second speech on the same question so long as any member who has not spoken on that question desires the floor. A member who has spoken twice on a particular question on the same day has exhausted his right to debate that question for that day.
4:29 Without the permission of the assembly, no one can speak longer than permitted by the rules of the body—or, in a nonlegislative assembly that has no rule of its own relating to the length of speeches, longer than ten minutes.
4:30 Debate must be confined to the merits of the pending question. Speakers must address their remarks to the chair, maintain a courteous tone, and—especially in reference to any divergence of opinion—avoid injecting a personal note into debate. To this end, they must never attack or make any allusion to the motives of members. As already noted, speakers should refer to officers only by title and should avoid the mention of other members’ names as much as possible.
4:31 Except in committees and small boards, the presiding officer does not enter into discussion of the merits of pending questions (unless, in rare instances, he leaves the chair until the pending business has been disposed of, as described in 43:29–30). While members are speaking in debate, the presiding officer normally remains seated unless the view between him and the members would be obstructed. In the latter case, he should step back slightly while a member is speaking. Although the presiding officer should give close attention to each speaker’s remarks during debate, he cannot interrupt the person who has the floor so long as that person does not violate any of the assembly’s rules and no disorder arises. The presiding officer must never interrupt a speaker simply because he knows more about the matter than the speaker does.
4:32 The presiding officer cannot close debate so long as any member who has not exhausted his right to debate desires the floor, except by order of the assembly, which requires a two-thirds vote (15, 16, 43).
4:33 (For additional rules and information related to debate, see 43.)
4:34 Putting the Question. When the debate appears to have closed, the chair may ask, “Are you ready for the question?” or “Is there any further debate?” If no one then rises to claim the floor, the chair proceeds to put the question—that is, he puts it to a vote after once more making clear the exact question the assembly is called upon to decide. If the chair’s wording of the question is erroneous, a point of order may be made until any member has actually voted. Except as it may be corrected in response to such a point of order, the exact wording the chair uses in putting the question is definitive, and the wording in the minutes must be the same. Where there is any possibility of confusion, the chair, before calling for the vote, should make sure that the members understand the effect of an “aye” vote and of a “no” vote. In putting the question, the chair stands (except in a small board or a committee) and should especially project his voice to be sure that all are aware that the vote is being taken.
4:35 The vote on a motion is normally taken by voice (or viva voce),10 unless, under certain conditions, it is taken by rising or—sometimes in committees, or in small boards, or other very small assemblies—by a show of hands. In putting the question by any of these methods, the chair calls first for the affirmative vote, and all who wish to vote in favor of the motion so indicate in the manner specified; then he calls for the negative vote. The chair must always call for the negative vote, no matter how nearly unanimous the affirmative vote may appear, except that this rule is commonly relaxed in the case of noncontroversial motions of a complimentary or courtesy nature; but even in such a case, if any member objects, the chair must call for the negative vote. A further exception arises when the negative vote is intrinsically irrelevant, as, for example, when “a vote of one fifth of the members present” is required (see 44:9(a)). The chair does not call for abstentions in taking a vote, since the number of members who respond to such a call is meaningless. To “abstain” means not to vote at all, and a member who makes no response if “abstentions” are called for abstains just as much as one who responds to that effect (see also 45:3).
4:36 The three methods of putting the question stated in the preceding paragraph, as well as the forms used when a vote taken by rising or by a show of hands is counted, are described below. Other methods of taking a formal vote (as distinguished from adopting a motion by unanimous consent, 4:58–63) are used only when expressly ordered by the assembly or prescribed by its rules; they are described in 45.
4:37 Form for taking a voice vote. A vote by voice is the regular method of voting on any motion that does not require more than a majority vote for its adoption (see 1:6; 44). In taking a voice vote, the chair puts the question by saying, “The question is on the adoption of the motion to [or “that”]… [repeating or clearly identifying the motion]. Those in favor of the motion, say aye. [Pausing for response.]… Those opposed, say no.” (Alternative forms are: “All those in favor…”; “All in favor…”; or the wording formerly prescribed in Congress, “As many as are in favor…”) In the case of a resolution, the question may be put as follows: “The question is on the adoption of the following resolution: [reading it]. Those in favor of adopting the resolution that was just read, say aye.… Those opposed, say no.” If the resolution has been read very recently and there appears to be no desire to have it read again, the chair may use this form: “The question is on the adoption of the resolution last read. Those in favor of adopting the resolution, say aye.… Those opposed, say no.” However, if there has been any debate or amendment since the resolution was last read, any member can demand that it be read again when the question is put, if the chair does not do so on his own.11
4:38 Form for taking a rising (division) vote. The simple rising vote (in which the number of members voting on each side is not counted) is used principally in cases where a voice vote has been taken with an inconclusive result, and as the normal method of voting on motions requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption (see Chair’s Announcement of the Voting Result, etc., below). When only a majority is required, however, time may sometimes be saved by taking a rising vote initially, if the chair believes in advance that a voice vote will be inconclusive. In all such cases the vote can be taken in a form like this: “Those in favor of the motion to invite Mr. Jones to be guest speaker at our next meeting will rise. [Or, “stand.”]… Be seated.… Those opposed will rise.… Be seated.”
4:39 If a rising vote remains inconclusive, the chair or the assembly can order the vote to be counted (see 4:53; 30; 45:14). The form then used is, for example: “The question is on the motion to limit all speeches at this meeting to two minutes. Those in favor of the motion will rise and remain standing until counted.… Be seated. Those opposed will rise and remain standing until counted.… Be seated.”
4:40 Form for taking a vote by show of hands. As an alternative to voting by voice, a vote by show of hands can be used as the basic voting method in small boards or in committees, and it is so used in some assemblies. An inconclusive voice vote is also sometimes verified by this method. For either of these purposes, the use of voting by show of hands in assemblies should generally be limited to very small meetings where every member can clearly see every other member present. In voting by this method, the question can be put, for example, as follows: “The question is on the motion that the bill for building repairs be paid as rendered. All those in favor of the motion will raise the right hand.… Lower hands. [Or, nodding, “Thank you.”] Those opposed will raise the right hand.… Lower hands.”
4:41 Chair’s Announcement of the Voting Result; Verification Procedures and Cases Where the Chair Votes. The chair, remaining standing, announces the result of the vote immediately after putting the question—that is, as soon as he has paused to permit response to his call for the negative vote. A majority vote in the affirmative adopts any motion unless it is one of the particular motions that require a larger vote under parliamentary law or the rules of the organization. (For the parliamentary motions that require a two-thirds vote, see pages t48–t49.) Under all of the voting methods described above except a counted rising vote (or a counted show of hands), the result is determined by the chair’s judgment as to the prevailing side—which it is his duty, in doubtful cases, to verify beyond reasonable doubt, and to the satisfaction of the members, by the procedures described below.
4:42 In voting by any of these methods (including a counted rising vote), a member has the right to change his vote up to the time the result is announced. After that, he can make the change only by unanimous permission of the assembly. (See 45:8, and see 4:58–63 regarding the granting of such permission by unanimous consent.)
4:43 Content of complete announcement. In general (that is, as applying to main motions and other types of motions explained in later chapters), the chair’s announcement of the result of the vote includes the following:
1) Report of the voting itself, stating which side “has it”—that is, which side is more numerous—or, in the case of a motion requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption, whether there are two thirds in the affirmative. If the vote has been counted, the chair first gives the count before announcing the prevailing side.
2) Declaration that the motion is adopted or lost.
3) Statement indicating the effect of the vote, or ordering its execution, if needed or appropriate.
4:44 The three points listed immediately above generally complete the chair’s announcement of the voting result. However, whenever it is stated in this book that a certain procedural motion relating to a vote that has been taken is in order immediately after the result of a vote has been announced (see, for example, 45:9), that interval begins as soon as the chair has pronounced the first two points.
4:45 Form of announcement of voting result and the business that follows. The three points generally covered by the chair’s announcement of the voting result as listed above are normally spoken without separation into distinct elements; and, where applicable, they are immediately followed without pause by announcement of the next item of business, or (in the case of “secondary” motions, which are described in the next chapter) by the stating of the next motion that consequently comes up for consideration.
4:46 Standard forms, as shown in the bulleted list below, can be given only for the part of the announcement covered by the first two points listed above. The form of the third point—which is usually needed only for a vote that has caused a motion to be adopted—is determined by the particular motion. For example, after declaring that the motion is adopted, the chair might indicate its effect by saying, “The Secretary will send to the bank a certified copy of the resolution naming Mr. Thomas and Ms. Watkins as signatories”; or, “The question is postponed to the next meeting of the Society.”
4:47 Immediately after completing the announcement of the voting result, to announce the next business in order, the chair might say, for example, “The next item of business is the report of the Treasurer,” or, “Is there any further new business?” or, to state the question on the motion that comes up next as a result of the vote, “The question is now on the main motion as amended.”
4:48 The full sequence of announcing the voting result and the business that follows is frequently illustrated in the subsections Form and Example in the sections covering the different parliamentary motions in chapters VI–IX, and in 10:38–43 as applied to the main motion.
4:49 Depending on the voting method and the vote required for adoption of the motion, the chair makes the standard portion of the announcement, covering the first two numbered points as listed in 4:43, as follows:
a) For a voice vote: “… The ayes have it and the motion is adopted [or “agreed to” or “carried”].…”12 Or, “… The noes have it and the motion is lost.…”
b) For a rising vote (uncounted) or a vote by show of hands: “… The affirmative has it and the motion is adopted.…” Or, “… The negative has it and the motion is lost.…”
c) For a rising vote or a show of hands on which a count has been ordered: “… There are 32 in the affirmative and 30 in the negative. The affirmative has it and the motion is adopted.…” Or, “… There are 29 in the affirmative and 33 in the negative. The negative has it and the motion is lost.…”
d) For a motion requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption (where an uncounted rising vote is conclusive): “… There are two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is adopted.…” Or, “… There are less than two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is lost.…”
e) For a motion requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption (where a count of the vote is taken): “… There are 51 in the affirmative and 23 in the negative. There are two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is adopted.…” Or, “… There are 48 in the affirmative and 26 in the negative. There are less than two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is lost.…”
f) When the chair votes where his vote will affect the result (see below): “… There are 35 in the affirmative and 35 in the negative. The chair votes in the affirmative, making 36 in the affirmative and 35 in the negative, so that the affirmative has it and the motion is adopted.…” Or, “… There are 39 in the affirmative and 38 in the negative. The chair votes in the negative, making 39 in the affirmative and 39 in the negative, so that there is less than a majority in the affirmative and the motion is lost.…”
g) When the chair votes where his vote will affect the result on a motion requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption: “… There are 59 in the affirmative and 30 in the negative. The chair votes in the affirmative, making 60 in the affirmative and 30 in the negative, so that there are two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is adopted.…” Or, “… There are 60 in the affirmative and 30 in the negative. The chair votes in the negative, making 60 in the affirmative and 31 in the negative, so that there are less than two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is lost.…”
4:50 Verifying an inconclusive vote. A voice vote—or, in larger meetings, even a vote by show of hands—may sometimes be inconclusive, either because the voting is close or because a significant number of members have failed to vote. If the chair feels that members may question a somewhat close result of which he is reasonably convinced, he can first say, “The ayes [or “the noes”] seem to have it.” The chair then pauses, and any member who doubts the result is thus invited to demand verification of the vote by a division, as explained below. If no member makes such a demand or states that he doubts the result, the chair continues, “The ayes have it…,” as shown above.
4:51 If the chair is in actual doubt in the case of such a vote, however, he does not announce a result, but instead immediately retakes the vote—strictly speaking, always as a rising vote. (Regarding use of a show of hands as a method of verifying an inconclusive voice vote, however, see below.) If it appears when those in the affirmative rise that the vote will be close enough to require a count, the chair should count the vote, or direct the secretary to do so, or (in a large assembly) appoint a convenient number of tellers—preferably an even number equally divided between members known to be in favor of the motion and those opposed to it. If, after a vote has been retaken as an uncounted rising vote, the chair finds himself still unable to determine the result, he must take the vote a third time as a counted rising vote.
4:52 Division of the Assembly. Whether or not the chair pauses to say, “The ayes seem to have it…,” any member (without a second) has the right to require that a voice vote (or even a vote by show of hands) be retaken as a rising vote, so long as he does not use the procedure as a dilatory tactic when there clearly has been a full vote and there can be no reasonable doubt of the result. A vote retaken by rising at the demand of a member is called a Division of the Assembly, or simply “a division.” A member can demand a division from the moment the negative votes have been cast until the result of the vote has been announced or immediately thereafter (see 45:9). To do so, the member, without obtaining the floor, calls out the single word “Division!” or “I call for [or “demand”] a division,” or “I doubt the result of the vote.” The chair must then immediately take the rising vote.
4:53 Either the chair on his own initiative or the assembly by a majority vote can order such a vote to be counted. If a division appears doubtfully close and the chair does not order a count, a member, as soon as the chair has announced the result, can rise and address the chair, and is entitled to preference in recognition for the purpose of moving that the vote be counted. If such a motion is made and is seconded, the chair states it, and puts the question (by a voice vote, or by an uncounted rising vote or show of hands) on whether a count shall be ordered. If a count is ordered, the chair takes the doubtfully close division again by a counted rising vote.
4:54 (For additional information regarding Division of the Assembly and motions relating to voting, see 29 and 30.)
4:55 Verification by show of hands. In very small assemblies where everyone present can clearly see everyone else, an inconclusive voice vote may sometimes be verified satisfactorily by a show of hands if no member objects. A show of hands is not a division, however, and it is not always as effective in causing a maximum number of members to vote when some have not done so. In small meetings, a voice vote can be retaken by a show of hands at the initiative of the chair; or, during the same time that it is in order to demand a division, any member can call out, “Mr. President, may we have a show of hands?” In either case, any other member still has the right to demand a division, which requires the chair to take a rising vote. The chair can also immediately take a rising vote in response to a request for a show of hands.
4:56 Chair’s vote as part of the announcement, where it affects the result. If the presiding officer is a member of the assembly or voting body, he has the same voting right as any other member. Except in a small board or a committee, however—unless the vote is secret (that is, unless it is by ballot; 45)—the chair protects his impartial position by exercising his voting right only when his vote would affect the outcome, in which case he can either vote and thereby change the result, or he can abstain. If he abstains, he simply announces the result with no mention of his own vote. In a counted rising vote (or a count of hands) on a motion requiring a majority vote for adoption, the outcome will be determined by the chair’s action in cases where, without his vote, there is (a) a tie, or (b) one more in the affirmative than in the negative.13 Since a majority in the affirmative is necessary to adopt the motion in the case mentioned, a final result in the form of a tie rejects it. When there is a tie without the chair’s vote, the chair can vote in the affirmative, and such a vote adopts the motion; but if the chair abstains from voting, the motion is lost. When there is one more in the affirmative than in the negative without the chair’s vote, the motion is adopted if the chair abstains; but if he votes in the negative, the result is thereby tied and the motion is lost.
4:57 (For additional information regarding the procedures used in voting, see 44 and 45.)
4:58 In cases where there seems to be no opposition in routine business or on questions of little importance, time can often be saved by the procedure of unanimous consent, or as it was formerly also called, general consent. Action in this manner is in accord with the principle that rules are designed for the protection of the minority and generally need not be strictly enforced when there is no minority to protect. Under these conditions, the method of unanimous consent can be used either to adopt a motion without the steps of stating the question and putting the motion to a formal vote, or it can be used to take action without even the formality of a motion.
4:59 To obtain unanimous consent in either case, the chair states that “If there is no objection… [or, “Without objection…”],” the action that he mentions will be taken; or he may ask, “Is there any objection to…?” He then pauses, and if no member calls out, “I object,” the chair announces that, “Since there is no objection…,” the action is decided upon. If any member objects, the chair must state the question on the motion, allow any desired debate (unless it is an “undebatable” parliamentary motion—see 6 and pages t46–t47), and put the question in the regular manner. Or—if no motion has been made—the chair must first ask, “Is there a motion to… [stating the proposed action]”; or he must at least put the question, assuming such a motion. If an objection is made with reasonable promptness, even though the chair may have already announced the result as one of “no objection,” he must disregard such an announcement and proceed to state the question in the usual manner.
4:60 “Unanimous consent” does not necessarily imply that every member present is in favor of the proposed action; it may only mean that the opposition, feeling that it is useless to oppose or discuss the matter, simply acquiesces. Similarly, when a member responds to the chair’s inquiry, “Is there any objection…?” with “I object,” he may not necessarily oppose the motion itself, but may believe that it is wise to take a formal vote under the circumstances. In other words, the objection is raised, not to the proposed action, but to the action’s being taken without a formal vote. No member should hesitate to object if he feels it is desirable to do so, but he should not object merely for dilatory purposes. If a member is uncertain of the effect of an action proposed for unanimous consent, he can call out, “I reserve the right to object,” or, “Reserving the right to object,…” After brief consultation he can then object or withdraw his reservation.
4:61 The correction of minutes (41:10) is an example of business that is normally handled by unanimous consent. As a second example, assume that a speaker whose time has expired in debate on a motion asks for two additional minutes. If the chair thinks that all members will approve, he may handle the matter as follows:
CHAIR: If there is no objection, the member’s time will be extended two minutes… [pause]. Since there is no objection, the member’s time is extended two minutes.
Or:
CHAIR: Is there any objection to the member’s time being extended two minutes?… [pause]. The chair hears no objection, and it is so ordered.
Or, particularly if no objection is anticipated:
CHAIR: Without objection, the member’s time is extended two minutes.
4:62 In cases where unanimous consent is already apparent, the chair may sometimes assume it. For example, if everyone is obviously absorbed in listening to a speaker who seems near the end of his remarks, the chair may allow him to conclude without interruption, although his time has expired.
4:63 Whenever it is stated in this book that a certain action or the adoption of a certain motion “requires a two-thirds vote,” the same action can, in principle, also be taken by unanimous consent. If much hinges on the outcome, however, it is usually better to take a formal vote. Action by unanimous consent requires the presence of a quorum, just as for the transaction of business by any other method.
4:64 As already noted, the foregoing initial description of the handling of motions refers principally to the main motion—the basic form of motion by which business is brought up and by which the assembly takes substantive action. As also stated above, the consideration of a main motion can involve a number of other procedures not yet described—which are nevertheless in the nature of action by the assembly and are themselves properly the subject of motions. In the same way there are a number of “privileged” motions, which are not associated with the main question but can nevertheless be introduced while it is pending because they relate to certain urgent matters that may arise and warrant immediate determination at such a time. Except for interrupting consideration of the main motion, motions of this type have no direct effect on its disposition. Finally, there are motions by which business can be brought before the assembly under a number of special circumstances involving an earlier question. For each of the permissible processes in all of these categories, there has evolved a particular motion with its own name and rules governing its use—resembling or differing from the main motion in varying degrees. All such derived forms of motions, proposing procedural steps specifically defined under parliamentary law, are loosely referred to for descriptive purposes in this book as “parliamentary” motions.
4:65 The next chapter contains a brief statement of the purpose of each of the parliamentary motions, together with an explanation of the classes into which all motions are divided. The main motion is more fully treated in 10, as are each of the other motions in 11–37.
1. As distinguished from a small committee, where some relaxation of this rule may be appropriate, depending on the conditions.
2. A member who is unable to stand is permitted to speak while seated.
3. The order of business is separate and distinct from the procedure of calling a meeting to order, which is not a part of the order of business. A meeting opens by being called to order even when it has no established order of business. Additional “calls to order” may occur during the order of business at various times not specified in advance, if the assembly takes a recess (8, 20) or adjourns to a future time (8, 22) before the order of business is completed. For these reasons, it is not proper to list a “call to order” as the first item in an order of business or agenda, as is often incorrectly done.
4. In small boards and in committees, members generally need not rise to obtain the floor. See 49:21(1).
5. The expression “privileges of the floor,” sometimes used in legislative bodies or conventions, has nothing to do with having the floor, but means merely that a person is permitted to enter the portion of the hall floor otherwise restricted to members and necessary staff. It carries no right to speak or any other right of membership, except as may be determined by rules or action of the body.
6. In the very early development of parliamentary procedure, a presiding officer was expected to distill from the debate the essence of a motion and, in conclusion, take a vote on that motion. It was found in the House of Lords in England that, when there was no definite motion pending, it was not possible to tell whether debate was germane, and the debate itself often became discursive and lengthy. In addition, the presiding officer might not digest the debate into a motion in a way satisfactory to most of the members. In such a case, there was little opportunity to put the motion in proper form before voting, since the chair’s formulation of it occurred at the conclusion.
7. Motions need not be seconded in a small board or a committee.
8. For a parliamentary motion that is not debatable but is amendable (see list on page t47), only “Are you ready for the question?” or “Are there any amendments?” are applicable phrases. For a parliamentary motion that is neither debatable nor amendable (see list on page t46), the chair omits any such query and instead puts the motion to a vote immediately after stating it.
9. For procedures where greater freedom of debate is desired, see 15 and 52.
10. Pronounced VIE-vuh VOE-see.
11. In the case of any resolution, motion, or paper placed before the assembly that has not been read even once, the chair may not put it to a vote or seek its approval or adoption without reading it (or having it read by the secretary) unless permission is first obtained by unanimous consent—except that where the full text has been distributed to the members in advance, the chair may initially presume that there is no objection to omitting the reading (but any member still has the right to demand that it be read). Such an exception typically involves adoption of an agenda; approval of the minutes; or, in a convention, the rules proposed by the Committee on Standing Rules or the program proposed by the Program Committee. (See also 4:15(f).)
12. The ellipsis points (dots) before and after each form indicate that it follows immediately after the putting of the question, and is immediately followed by the remainder of the announcement of the result, as described above.
13. For a discussion of the conditions under which the chair’s vote affects the result in the case of motions requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption, see 44:12.