49 / 132
49
Revised 8/2016
Parliamentary Procedure
1. Adjourn meeting
I move that we adjourn
NO YES NO NO Majority
NO
2. Call an intermission
I move that we recess for ...
NO YES NO YES Majority
NO
3. Suspend further consideration
I move to table the motion
NO YES NO NO Majority
NO
of an issue
4. End discussion
I move the previous question
NO YES NO NO 2/3 vote
NO
5. End amendments
I move the previous question
NO YES YES YES 2/3 vote
NO
6. Postpone discussion
I move to postpone the
NO YES YES YES Majority
YES
for a certain time
discussion until ...
7. Give something further study
I move to refer the matter
NO YES YES YES Majority
YES, unless
to committee
committee
has already
taken the
subject up
8. Amend a motion
*
I move to amend the motion by ... NO YES YES YES Majority
YES
9. Introduce business
I move that ...
NO YES YES YES Majority
YES
10. Verify a voice vote
I call for a division, or Division YES NO NO NO NO
NO
11. Request information
Point of information
YES NO NO NO No Vote
NO
12. Protest breach of rules or conduct
I rise to a point of order
YES NO NO NO NO
NO
13. Take up matters previously tabled I move to take from the table
NO YES NO NO Majority
NO
14. Retract your motion
I wish to withdraw my motion NO NO NO NO No Vote
NO
15. Vote on a ruling by the chair
I appeal the chair’s decision
YES YES YES NO Majority
YES
16. Prevent considering
I object to consideration of
YES NO NO NO 2/3
NO
improper matter
this motion
17. Suspend rules temporarily
I move to suspend
the rules so that ...
NO YES NO NO 2/3
NO
18. Reconsider a hasty action
I move to reconsider
YES YES YES NO Majority
NO
the vote on ...
Member
would say:
Can it be
Recommended?
Vote
Needed:
Can it be
Amended?
Can it be
Debated?
Does
Member
Need a
Second?
May the
Member
interrupt
Speaker?
The motions below are not in any order of precedence but must relate to the business at hand and must be presented at the proper time.
If a member wishes to:
Parliamentary Procedure Chart
Motions 1-9 are in order of precedence.
*Amendment must relate to the original motion and must be acted on before the original motion.
Steps to Present a Motion
a. When a member is recognized by the president, member will make the motion:
(1) clearly, (2) concisely, (3) affirmatively.
b. Another member may second the motion, or the chair will call for a second. If
no second is obtained, the motion is lost.
c. If seconded, the chair will restate the motion.
d. All comments are directed to the chair, then the matter may be discussed. The
person making the motion is allowed to speak first.
e. If the chair or a member feels that all discussion has been presented, he/she
may call for the question. Calling for the question means “I would like to
have the vote on the motion taken now.” The chair then will ask the question,
“Are you ready to vote?”
f. If there is no more discussion, the vote is taken. It there is a question as to
whether the club is ready to vote, follow procedure on line 4 on parliamentary
procedure chart “end discussion.”
Method of Voting
a. Voice ‑ yes or no.
b. Division ‑ standing or raised hand vote.
c. Roll call ‑ yes or no upon name call.
d. Ballot ‑ written secret vote.
e. General consent ‑ members show agree-
ment by voicing no objection.
Parliamentary Procedure is a courteous and common sense method of conducting business, ensuring a majority rule, a fair hearing, and protec-
tion of rights for all. The rights of individuals of the minority and majority must be respected. The parliamentary procedure listed below is in no
manner complete but designed to serve Ruritan clubs. Most importantly, a good parliamentary procedure is a logical order of business. One of the
most serious causes of confusion at a club business meeting is the failure of the president to keep the club well-informed as to what is the business
at hand. The order of business for a Ruritan club meeting can be found in the club bylaws, on the inside front cover of the Club Officers’ Hand-
book, and on the inside of the front cover of the Secretary’s Book.
Robert’s Rules of Order
The complete “Robert’s Rules of Order”
may be obtained through office suppliers,
book stores, or from the publisher, Scott,
Foresman and Company, in Glenview, Il-
linois (847) 729‑3000.
General