HomeMy WebLinkAboutFour Basic Types of Motions FOUR BASIC TYPES OF MOTIONS
There are four Basic Types of Motions:
1. Main Motions: The purpose of a main motion is to introduce items to the membership for
their consideration. They cannot be made when any other motion is on the floor, and
yield to privileged, subsidiary, and incidental motions.
2. Subsidiary Motions: Their purpose is to change or affect how a main motion is handled,
and is voted on before a main motion.
3. Privileged Motions: Their purpose is to bring up items that are urgent about special or
important matters unrelated to pending business.
4. Incidental Motions: Their purpose is to provide a means of questioning procedure
concerning other motions and must be considered before the other motion.
How are Motions Presented?
1. Obtaining the floor
a. Wait until the last speaker has finished.
b. Rise and address the Chairman by saying, "Mr. Chairman, or Mr. President."
c. Wait until the Chairman recognizes you.
2. Make Your Motion
a. Speak in a clear and concise manner.
b. Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, "I move that we ..." rather than, "I move
that we do not ... ".
c. Avoid personalities and stay on your subject.
3. Wait for Someone to Second Your Motion
4. Another member will second your motion or the Chairman will call for a second.
5. If there is no second to your motion it is lost.
6. The Chairman States Your Motion
a. The Chairman will say, "it has been moved and seconded that we ..." Thus placing
your motion before the membership for consideration and action.
b. The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote.
c. Once your motion is presented to the membership by the chairman it becomes
"assembly property ", and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the
members.
7. Expanding on Your Motion
a. The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather
than at the time you present it.
b. The mover is always allowed to speak first.
c. All comments and debate must be directed to the chairman.
d. Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established.
e. The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless called
upon by the Chairman.
8. Putting the Question to the Membership
a. The Chairman asks, "Are you ready to vote on the question ?"
b. If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken.
c. On a motion to move the previous question may be adapted.
Voting on a Motion:
The method of vote on any motion depends on the situation and the by -laws of policy of
your organization. There are five methods used to vote by most organizations, they are:
1. By Voice -- The Chairman asks those in favor to say, "aye ", those opposed to say
"no ". Any member may move for a exact count.
2. By Roll Call -- Each member answers "yes" or "no" as his name is called. This
method is used when a record of each person's vote is required.
3. By General Consent -- When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chairman
says, "if there is no objection ..." The membership shows agreement by their
silence, however if one member says, "I object," the item must be put to a vote.
4. By Division -- This is a slight verification of a voice vote. It does not require a
count unless the chairman so desires. Members raise their hands or stand.
5. By Ballot -- Members write their vote on a slip of paper, this method is used when
secrecy is desired.
There are two other motions that are commonly used that relate to voting.
1. Motion to Table -- This motion is often used in the attempt to "kill" a motion. The option
is always present, however, to "take from the table ", for reconsideration by the
membership.
2. Motion to Postpone Indefinitely -- This is often used as a means of parliamentary strategy
and allows opponents of motion to test their strength without an actual vote being taken.
Also, debate is once again open on the main motion.
f
4
I - FourTypesofMotions
1.) Main Motion
Purpose: Introduces subjects for the assembly to consider.
Procedure: Can not be made until all other motions are resolved.
Example: "I move that we purchase a trailer."
"I move that we take from the table the motion to purchase a trailer."
2.) Subsidiary Motion
Purpose: To change or affect how the main motion is handled.
Procedure: Vote on the subsidiary motion before voting on the main motion.
Example: "I move that we select a trailer that is the same color as our truck."
"I move to amend the motion by striking out trailer and inserting horse cart."
"I move to amend the motion by inserting, "in the month of May."
"I move to table the motion." (There can be no further debate on the motion at this
meeting or when the motion is called off the table at a future meeting.
"Point of information. Is it possible to purchase a trailer that can be pulled both by a
truck and a horse." (Good to use when requesting information from staff.)
"I move to postpone discussion until we have the prices of trailers and horse carts."
"I move to refer the matter to committee."
"I move the previous question." (A call to end debate and to vote.)
3.) Privileged Motion
Purpose: Relating to urgent or special matters that are not related to subject under
consideration.
Procedure: Needs a second and a majority vote.
Example: "I move to recess." -or- "I move to adjourn."
4.) Incidental Motion
Purpose: To question procedures of meeting or register complaint.
Procedure: Some incidental motions need seconds and votes and some do not.
Example: "I rise to the question of Privilege. I am cold may we adjust the heat ?"
"I move to suspend the rules for the purpose of discussing agenda items
7 and 8 simultaneously."
�-- "I rise to a point of order. We are on agenda item number 4 but we are
discussing agenda item number 6.
Adapted from the booklet Parliamentary Procedures
A I
tret* H ow to Present a Motion
ftwi
f .
1.) Obtain the Floor
Address Madam/Mr. Chairperson.
State your name.
Chair repeats your name in acknowledgement.
2.) Make Your Motion
State your motion in the affirmative using a complete sentence.
3.) Wait for a Second
If there is no second the motion is dropped.
4.) Chair Restates the Motion
"It is moved and seconded that we... are you ready for the question ?"
The motion is now "assembly property" and can not be changed without
consent of the members.
If there is silence the chair takes the vote.
5.) Expand on Your Motion: Debate
Mover is allowed to speak first after the chair restates the motion.
The mover can not speak again until all others having something to say have spoken.
6.) Putting the Question
Once discussion has played out the chair once again asks, "Are your ready for the
question ?"
If met with silence the vote is taken.
Adapted from the booklet Parliamentary Procedures