Parliamentary Process Simplified

When a motion is on the floor, what if I...

Want to defer debate till later in the same meeting? Use “I move to lay this motion on the table so that we can [do this other thing].”  After concluding other business, use “I move to take the motion from the table” to resume dealing with the motion that was deferred.

Want to defer debate and voting to another meeting? Use “I move to postpone until [a meeting on this date.]”.

Want more notice, broader notice, or generally better information to enable better consideration of the topic? Use “I move to postpone until [a meeting on this date]” with your request.

Want focused deliberation before a topic comes back to the meeting? Use “I move to refer this motion to [an existing committee or one to be created].”

Want to get specific information related to the topic or or information about how to use the tools of parliamentary process? Use “Point of information!” NB: Raising a point of information can jump the queue, and does not require a vote.

Want to question whether a rule is being followed? Use “Point of order!” (Works exactly like “point of information”: you can interrupt the queue.). The chair and the parliamentarian will decide the question raised.

Want to go directly to a vote? Use “I move the previous question.” Non-debatable, requires a 2/3 majority to pass.

Want to do away with a motion I myself made? Use “I move to withdraw my motion.”

Want to do away with a motion someone else has made? Use “I move to postpone the motion indefinitely.” The same motion can be reintroduced at a future meeting if circumstances require.

Want to prevent any discussion of a motion? Use “I object to consideration of the questionbefore debate begins — raise your hand to be recognized after the motion is seconded. Non-debatable, requires a 2/3 majority to pass.
 

This information is also available to download.