Point of Order!

1. Point of Order! Basic Parliamentary Procedure Diane Mashburn, County Extension Agent- 4-H/Agri

4. Parliamentary Procedure Based on the principles of allowing the majority to make decisions effectively and efficiently, while ensuring fairness towards the minority and giving each member the right to voice an opinion.

5. Parliamentary Procedure • Originated in UK Parliament • Allowed for all voices to be heard, including minority • Keeps discussion on topic • Various versions of rules • Lead to Brig. Gen. Henry Robert creating “Roberts Rules of Order” • Most common rules used in the United States

6. Making Motions • Can come up from a discussion within the meeting • Must start by addressing the chair • Getting their attention! • “Mr.” or “Madam President” • Must be acknowledged in return

7. Parliamentary Procedure • Move or Motion? • Do you mean it or not? Then MOVE • “I move that …..”

8. Making Motions • Some must second- “I second the motion” • Just means they agree the motion should be made • Not a binding agreement

9. Making Motions • President repeats with “It has been moved that…” • Discuss some more if needed • Not necessary if you have already discussed it

10. Making Motions • Once discussion is over the vote is taken • President can ask if there is more discussion • A member can “Call for the question” which means “put to a vote” • General motions require simple majority vote (50% +1) • Some others, such as revising by-laws, may require 2/3rds vote

11. Types of Voting • Ballot Vote • Mail Vote- must be in bylaws • Proxy Vote- must be in bylaws • Roll Call • Standing Vote • Unanimous vote • Voice Vote

12. Amending a Motion • What if more information is needed in the motion? • “Amend” the motion • Insert • Add • Strike out • Strike out and insert • Substitute

13. Amending a Motion • Amendments MUST be voted upon before the main motion is voted upon • Primary amendments apply to the main motion • Secondary amendments apply to primary amendments

14. Amending a Motion • Examples of amendments • “add the words ‘on October 22nd’” • “strike out ‘breast cancer awareness’ and inserting ‘heart disease awareness’” • “insert ‘EHC Anniversary’ in front of ‘banquet’” • Must relate to the motion already being made

15. Amending a Motion • Vote BACKWARDS when you have amendments • Recommended that the president or chairperson repeats what everyone is voting for before each vote Secondary Amendment THEN Primary Amendment THEN Main Motion

16. Other Common Motions • “Refer to a committee” • Members should be named at the point this motion is approved, if not referred to a standing committee • “Limit debate” • Should have a reason for this • Usually due to time restraints • Requires a 2/3rds vote

17. Other Common Motions • “Lay on the table” • Postpone further discussion and/or the vote until a later time • Could be 10 minutes or until the next meeting • MUST be brought back up

18. Other Common Motions • “Point of Order” • Points out when someone is breaking order, such as unrelated discussion or talking out of order • “Rescind” • Repeal a decision voted upon previously • Must be within the same meeting session

19. Parliamentary Procedure • Ultimate purpose is: • To respect the views of others • To allow people to voice their views • To allow the majority to prevail

20. Parliamentary Procedure Any Questions?