Robert's Rules of Order - Important Points

3 MOTIONS
It is not always possible to do this, but generally speaking, main motions should be in writing with one copy for the secretary and one copy for the chair person.

There are three steps in a motion:
a. Motion made
b. Motion seconded
c. Motion stated by the chair - alterations and modifications may be made in the motion before it is stated in final form by the chair.

A main motion may be withdrawn by its maker, unless someone objects. If someone objects, then a motion for the "withdrawal of the motion" must be made.

Parliamentary courtesy dictates that a person who introduces a main motion should be allowed to speak first and last in the debate. This includes persons introducing resolutions while giving committee reports.

Main motions may be brought up again under the following conditions.

a. Reconsidered - this can be done only at the same meeting (or the following meeting if it meets the next day) where the motion was first made. It can be done whether the main motion passed or failed. The motion to reconsider must be made by someone who voted on the prevailing side on the main motion.
b. Renewed - any main motion that fails to pass may be brought up again at any future meeting.

c. Rescinded - any main motion that is passed may be rescinded at any future meeting. The motion to rescind requires a 2/3 vote if notice of the motion to rescind has not been given at the preceding meeting or in the call of the meeting.

4. AMENDMENTS
An amendment may directly conflict with the spirit or intent of the original main motion, but it must have a direct bearing upon the subject or the main motion.

An amendment can be amended, but an amendment to an amendment cannot be amended.

Types of amendments:
a. Adding words
b. Striking out words
c. Striking out certain words and inserting other words
d. Substituting a different motion on the same subject
e. Dividing the motion into two or more motions, and voting on each

5. POSTPONING DECISIONS ON MOTIONS
There are four ways of putting off voting on a motion. In order of priority (each supersedes any of those below):

a. Lay in the table - the motion to "lay in the table" is undebatable and requires majority vote. A tabled motion must be un-tabled during the same meeting, or at the very least next meeting, or it dies. It can be brought up again at a later meeting as a renewed motion. The motion to "take from the table" is undebatable and requires a majority vote. Tabling an amendment has the effect of also tabling the main motion.

b. Postpone to a certain time - This motion can be amended in terms of the time, is limited to short debate, and requires majority vote.

c. To refer to committee - this motion is debatable, can be amended, and requires a majority vote.

6. MOTION TO ADJOURN
This motion is in order any time, cannot be amended, is not debatable and requires a majority vote.

7. MOVING THE PREVIOUS QUESTION
This motion cuts off debate. It is an undebatable motion and requires a 2/3 vote.

If an amendment to a main motion is being debated, and the previous question is moved, the call for the previous question can be to either (a) halt debate on the amendment only, or (b) halt debated on both the amendment and the main motion. The person moving the previous question should indicated which he/she is doing.

8. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Nominations do not require seconds. In elections, a majority vote is the usual norm. An acceptance of a plurality vote must be established by the assembly. A motion to close nominations (undebatable) requires a 2/3 vote. A motion to reopen nominations (undebatable) requires a majority vote.

9. DIVISION OF THE HOUSE
A division of the house may be called for by anyone if he/she doubts the judgement of the chair in regard to a vote.

10. APPEAL OF A DECISION BY THE CHAIR
Anyone may appeal a decision of the chair, but the appeal requires a majority vote.

11. VOTING RIGHTS OF THE CHAIR
The chairman should be able to vote in elections.

13. VOTING
Normal voting procedure is by voice or show of hands (except in elections). Voting by secret ballot on a motion requires the approval of the assembly.

14. OBTAINING THE FLOOR
No one is to speak without obtaining the floor by addressing the chair.

15. POINT OF ORDER
If you believe that something is out of order, or if you believe a speaker is speaking improperly, you may call for point of order. This may be done at any time and may interrupt someone who has the floor.

16. POINT OF INFORMATION
If you are unclear as to what the business is that is being transacted, you may call for point of information. This may be done at any time. However, unlike point of order, a speaker may not be interrupted.

17. QUORUM
A meeting may start without a quorum, but no business may be acted upon. If the quorum is lost during the course of a meeting, no more business may be acted upon.

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