Randall T. Shepard Academy for Law and Social Justice Parliamentary Procedure Mr. Fetscher

Why Use Parliamentary Procedure? All members have equal rights Minority rights must be protected Full and free discussion is an essential right Use simplest and most direct procedure Only one question considered at a time Logical precedence governs order of discussion

Why Use Parliamentary Procedure? All members have equal rights Minority rights must be protected Full and free discussion is an essential right Use simplest and most direct procedure Only one question considered at a time Logical precedence governs order of discussion

A Few Definitions to Start Quorum: more than half of active membership* Majority: more than half of those voting* 2/3 Majority: 2/3 or more of those voting* Motion: A proposal by a member to take a particular action

Parliamentary Procedure Main Motion Used when someone wants an idea considered, an action to be taken or a rule or policy to be adopted (you want something to be done) Anyone can make a main motion except the chair Begin by standing and saying Madame/Mr. President (Speaker) The chair will then recognize you by saying your name You then say “I move…[say what you want to do]” and sit down The motion must then be seconded by a member (second) Discussion follows

Parliamentary Procedure Main Motion Con’t. The chairperson will ask for any more discussion. If there is none, the main motion will be restated and then a vote will be taken: typically by saying yeah or nay. The chairperson rules on the vote and asks the secretary to record. If a member disagrees with the ruling on the vote by the chairperson, they can call for a “division” from his/her seat.

Parliamentary Procedure Types of Votes Voice vote: Say “aye” or “nay” Counted vote: Standing or raise right hand Division 2/3 Suspend the rules Close nominations Previous question (stop discussion) Rescind a motion (get rid of a motion after passed) Ballot vote: Write your vote on a piece of paper and place in a central location to be read by the president.

Parliamentary Procedure Voting Con’t. Voting - The President only votes: In the event of a tie To make a vote a tie When secret ballot is used When they are part of the assembly

Parliamentary Procedure Voting Con’t. Division Used when a member disagrees with the President’s ruling. A “division” does not need a second, nor does the member have to be recognized. The chairperson should ask for a counted or hand vote.

A two-thirds vote is? A two-thirds vote of: 1 is 1 11 is 8

Someone makes a good motion, but you want to change one part of it. Motions can be amended by three ways. Add words Take out words Substitute words Must be seconded, they are debatable, can be amended and require a majority vote.

Amending a Motion Con’t. I move to amend the main motion by adding the word Fetscher in front of Park. I move to amend the main motion by taking out the words picnic shelter. I move to amend the main motion by substituting the words at the park with “in the extension auditorium”.

Amending a Motion Order of Action I move to amend the main motion by (adding, taking out or substituting)… Second Discussion follows on the amendment Vote on the AMENDMENT IF the amendment passes, the floor is opened for discussion on the amended motion. After discussion, a vote is taken on the amended main motion

Amending a Motion Order of Action Member obtains recognition by the chair Member states the motion Another seconds the motion when required Recognition not necessary Need not be in favor of the motion Chair restates the motion for the assembly The motion is debated A vote is taken The Chair announces the result of the vote

Parliamentary Procedure Points of Order When a member, including the President does something that is against proper parliamentary procedure and the President does NOT correct it, what can you do to correct it?

Points of Order: Order of Action Stand and say “I rise to a point of order”. The President should then say, “State your Point” The member will then state their point. For example: “the member to my right was not properly recognized before speaking”. The President will then say, “your point is well taken” or “your point is not well taken”. If the President says your point is not well taken, but you feel as if you are right, then you should appeal the decision of the chair.

Parliamentary Procedure Odds and Ends Miscellaneous Information There can only be one MAIN motion on the floor at one time. A member can NOT talk against his or her own motion. A member CAN vote against his or her own motion A vote that ends in a tie, fails.