Script of a Main Motion

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A motion that brings before the assembly any particular subject and is made when no other business is pending. If passed, it commits the assembly to do or say something.

Script: Main Motion

Member: I move that . . .

Chair: Is there a second to the motion? [This statement is eliminated if a member calls out "second" or if the motion is made on behalf of a committee.]

Second member: I second the motion.

Chair: It is moved and seconded that [state the motion]. Is there any discussion? [Since the maker of the motion has first right to speak on the motion, the chair should call on the maker of the motion first.]

[It is during this time that a motion is considered pending and secondary motions may be applied to it.]

[After discussion] Is there any further discussion? Are you ready for the question? [Pause] The question is on the adoption of the motion to [clearly restate the motion].

Voice vote:

Those in favor, say aye. [Pause for response]

Those opposed, say no. [If the chair is in doubt of the results of a voice vote, the chair should state "The chair is in doubt, therefore a rising (or counted) vote will be taken." Then proceed with a rising or counted vote.]

Show of hands vote:

Those in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. [Pause] Please lower your hand. Those opposed to the motion, please raise your hand. [Pause] Please lower your hand.

Rising vote:

Those in favor of the motion, please stand. [Pause] Please be seated. Those opposed to the motion, please stand. [Pause] Please be seated.

Ballot vote:

Please mark your ballots clearly, fold them one time, and hand them directly to a teller.

Roll call vote:

The clerk will now call the roll.

Chair: [Announces the voting results]

Uncounted voice, rising, or show of hands vote:

The affirmative has it, the motion is adopted, we will [state the effect of the vote] and the next business in order is . . .

or

The negative has it, the motion is lost and [state the effect of the vote] and the next business in order is . . .

Counted majority vote:

There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is a majority in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. We will [state the effect of the vote] and the next business in order is . . .

or

There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is less than a majority in the affirmative and the motion is lost [state the effect of the vote] and the next business in order is . . .

Counted two-thirds vote:

There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is a two-thirds vote in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. We will [state the effect of the vote] and the next business in order is . . .

or

There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is less than a two-thirds vote in the affirmative and the motion is lost [state the effect of the vote] and the next business in order is . . .

________________________________________________________________

• Needs a second
• Is debatable
• Is amendable
• Needs a majority vote