Brainteasers Archive

The Credentials Committee (majority vote), the Commitee on Standing Rules (two-thirds vote), and the Program Committee (majority vote). RONR (12th ed.) 59:11.

"An ordinary standing rule, as the term is used in this book, is a rule that does not relate to parliamentary procedure as such and refers, for example, to such matters as the use of recording devices at meetings (see 2:23). Standing rules can be suspended by a majority vote." RONR (12th ed.) 25:15. (Compare to convention standing rules, which require a two-thirds vote or the vote of a majority of all the delegates. RONR (12th ed.) 59:59)

The term "ex officio" is often misunderstood to mean a board (or committee) member who does not have the right to vote, but the phase simply means that “by virtue of an office” or title the individual is automatically a board member. Any successor to that title or office becomes the ex-officio member. While the obligations of an ex officio member vary, the rights of the member (to speak, to make motions, to vote) are the same as all other board members unless restricted by the governing documents. See RONR (12th ed.) 47:20; 49:8-10; 50:16.

Yes. "If a quorum cannot be obtained, the chair calls the meeting to order, announces the absence of a quorum, and entertains a motion to adjourn or one of the other motions allowed, as described above." RONR (12th ed.) 40:11.

The Chair, no vote. "Nonmembers, on the other hand--or a particular nonmember or group of nonmembers--can be excluded at any time from part or all of a meeting of a society, or from all of its meetings. Such exclusion can be effected by a ruling of the chair in cases of disorder, or by the adoption of a rule on the subject, or by an appropriate motion as the need arises--a motion of the latter nature being a question of privilege. RONR (12th ed.) 61:7.

When the outgoing portion of the board leaves, "all matters temporarily but not finally disposed of, except those that remain in the hands of a committee to which they have been referred, fallt to the ground. . . .  RONR (12th ed.) 49:22.

Yes. Minutes can be corrected even years later if it “becomes reasonably established” that there is “an error or material omission” RONR (12th ed.) 48:15. The means for making such a correction is the motion to Amend Something Previously adopted, “which requires a two-thirds vote, or a majority vote with notice, or the vote of a majority of the entire membership, or unanimous consent.” RONR (12th ed.) 48:15.

From Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, 5th Edition, p. 155.

Robert's permits a speaker to then move to close debate. "When assigned the floor, a member may use it for any proper purpose, or a combination of purposes; for example, although a member may have begun by debating a pending motion, he may conclude by moving any secondary motion, including the Previous Question (16), that is in order at the time." RONR (12th ed.) 42:5.

Because this might be considered by some to be bad form, some conventions sometimes adopt a rule to the effect that no one "speaking in debate may move the Previous Question."

If you answered "in a tie vote," that's not quite right. And the answer is more complicated than it might seem.

Here's a question-answer from Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition (p. 160):

When may the chair vote?
In theory, the presiding officer has the same voting privileges as other members. In practice, the chair voting by voice or show of hands conflicts with the chair’s responsibility to be impartial. Robert’s recognizes the right of the chair to vote in larger assemblies, but suggests that the chair exercise voting rights only when a vote is by ballot (45:28) or “when the vote would affect the outcome” (4:56). As a result, a chair can break a tie by voting in FAVOR of a motion (causing it to be adopted) OR can create a tie by voting AGAINST a motion (causing it to be lost). The principle also works in reverse if the chair chooses not to vote: when the vote is a tie or a motion is adopted by one vote, the chair affects the result by choosing not to vote. If the vote is a tie, the chair in effect votes against the motion by declining to vote in favor. If a motion is adopted by one vote, the chair in effect votes for the motion by declining to vote against.

The statement is sometimes heard that a chair can “only vote to break a tie,” which is wrong. The phrase break a tie should be replaced with affect the outcome. The same principle applies to decisions requiring a two-thirds vote.

May the chair vote twice, once as a member and once as the chair?
No (44:12).

Two-thirds. "[U]nder the usual procedure of votig on the standing rules as a 'package,' a two-thirds vote will normally be required for their adoption--because, if they are to fill the needs of the convention, they nearly always include provisions that can be imposed only by a two-thirds vote." RONR (12th ed.) 59:34. (However, see discussion of "Vote Required for Adoption of an Individual Rule" in RONR (12th ed.) 59:15. 

Here is a passage from Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition, p. 160:

When may the chair vote?
In theory, the presiding officer has the same voting privileges as every other member. In practice, the chair voting by voice or show of hands conflicts with the chair’s responsibility to remain impartial. Robert’s recognizes the right of the chair to vote, but suggests that the chair protect impartiality by “exercising his voting right only when the vote would affect the outcome” (4:56). As a result, a chair can break a tie by voting in FAVOR of a motion (causing it to be adopted) OR can create a tie by voting AGAINST a motion (causing it to be lost). The principle also works in reverse if the chair chooses not to vote: when the vote is a tie or a motion is adopted by one vote, the chair affects the result by choosing not to vote. If the vote is a tie, the chair in effect votes against the motion by declining to vote in favor. If a motion is adopted by one vote, the chair in effect votes for the motion by declining to vote.

The statement is sometimes heard that a chair can “only vote to break a tie,” which is wrong. The phrase break a tie should be replaced with affect the outcome. The same principle applies to decisions requiring a two-thirds vote.

Normally, no. However, in instances where members are generally in favor of an action or there seems to be “no opposition in routine business or on questions of little importance,” the chair can place the motion before the body without a formal motion. RONR (12th ed.) 4:58. An example might be the chair asking, “Is there objection to taking a ten-minute recess?” (See “Unanimous Consent,” page 167.)

From Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition, p. 17.

An amendment requires a majority vote regardless of the vote required to adopt the original motion. RONR (12th Ed.) 12:7(7).

From Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition, p. 34.

Yes. Consisting of the optional preamble “Whereas” and the body “Resolved” or “Be it resolved that. . .,” a resolution is a more formal presentation of an original main motion. Both the main motion (“I move that . . .”) and a written resolution are proposals for action. The rules for main motions apply to resolutions. RONR (12th Ed.) 10:13-22.

From Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition, p. 25.

Even if a meeting lacks quorum, “the inability to transact business does not detract from the fact that the society’s rules requiring the meeting to be held were complied with and the meeting was convened—even though it had to adjourn immediately” RONR (12th ed.) 40:6.

When a motion is divided, it becomes two (or more) motions that are separate in every way. When a motion is considered part by part, it remains on the floor as one motion.

In effect there are two differences:  

1. If a motion is divided, the assembly debates and votes on each divided part separately. If the parts of the motion are considered individually (seriatim), no vote is taken until all parts have been discussed. When considering by part, amendments are voted on as they arise, but no part as amended is voted on at that time.
2. If a motion is divided, a motion to Postpone Indefinitely, Refer, Postpone, or Lay on the Table applies only to the main motion that is being discussed. If the assembly is considering the motion by part (seriatim), any motion to Postpone Indefinitely, Refer, Postpone, or Lay on the Table applies to the entire series. RONR (12th ed.) 28:8.

From Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition (2022).

Rather quietly, recent Robert’s have replaced almost every instance of “out of order” with the phrase “not in order.” The 12th Edition even changes “out of order” from recommended to alternative language. RONR (12th ed.) 4:17. Robert’s is clear, however, that the phrase “You are out of order,” is never appropriate, as the focus should remain on the member’s motion or behavior, and not the individual. RONR (12th ed.) 4:17.

No. "Any member can suggest that the maker of a motion ask permission to withdraw it, which the maker can do or decline to do, as he chooses." RONR (12th ed.) 33:16.

No. RONR (12th ed.) 33:11-15.

An amendment requires a majority vote "regardless of the vote required to adopt the question to be amended." RONR (12th ed.) 12:7(7).

No.  "A motion cannot be divided unless each part presents a proper question for the assembly to act upon if none of the other parts is adopted . . .  Thus, if it is moved to establish a committee and give it instructions, this motion is indivisible because, should the part establishing the committee fail, the part giving the committee instructions would be absurd." RONR (12th ed.) 27:5.

The answer varies. If quorum for a board is established in the bylaws as an absolute number, such as ten members, then vacancies make no difference. If, however, quorum is established as "a majority of the membership of the board," vacancies on the board will reduce the required quorum.  Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fourth Edition, p. 113-14.

The presiding officer may vote if the vote will affect the outcome. The chair can vote “AYE” in breaking a tie vote and cause something that was going to fail to pass. The chair can also vote “NO” in the event a proposal is going to pass by one vote, which creates a tie vote and causes the motion to fail, since it did not receive a majority. RONR (12th ed.) 44:12.

"Resume consideration." (TSC, 44)

"The only business that can be transacted at a special meeting is that which has been specified in the call of the meeting.  This rule, however, does not preclude the consideration of privileged motions, or of any subsidiary, incidental, or other motions that may arise in connection with the transaction of such business or the conduct of the meeting." RONR (12th ed.) 9:15.

"The rules of order of a society, as contained in the manual established by the bylaws as the parliamentary authority, or as included in any special rules of order adopted by the organization." RONR (12th ed.) 25:14.

No. "In a case where more than a quarterly time inverval will elapse between meetings (for example, in an annual convention of delegates or in a local society that holds only an annual meeting), a question cannot be postponed beyond the end of the present session." RONR (12th ed.) 14:6.

Yes. RONR (12th ed.) 9:8.

It depends on how frequently the organization meets. If there will not be more than a quarterly time interval before the next meeting, a motion could be postponed until, but not beyond, the next meeting. If more than a quarterly time interval will pass between meetings, a motion cannot be postponed beyond the current meeting. RONR (12th ed.) 14:6.

"After a motion has been withdrawn, the situation is as though it had never been made; therefore, the same motion can be made again at the same meeting." RONR (12th ed.) 33:18.

First. "In the consideration of a resolution having a preamble, the preamble is always amended last, since changes in the resolving clauses may require changes in the preamble." RONR (12th ed.) 10:19.

A General Order. RONR (12th ed.) 41:22.

The Appeal must be made immediately, "at the time of the chair's ruling. If any debate or business has intervened, it is too late to appeal." RONR (12th ed.) 24:8.

"yields"  RONR (12th ed.) 3:31.

It depends on how frequently the organization meets. If there will not be more than a quarterly time interval before the next meeting, a tabled motion must be brought back before the end of the next regular meeting or it dies (although it could be reintroduced later as a new question). If more than a quarterly time interval will pass between meetings, a motion not taken from the table dies at the end of the current session. RONR (12th ed.) 17:8.

If there is more than one nominee, the candidates are voted on in the order they were nominated as follows:

CHAIR: As many as are in favor of Bob Smith for Treasurer, say AYE . . . . Those opposed, say NO . . . . The ayes have it and Bob Smith is elected Treasurer.

OR:

CHAIR: The noes have it and Bob Smith is not elected. Those in favor of the Mary Jones for Treasurer, say AYE . . . . Those opposed say NO . . . .

As soon as one nominee receives a majority vote, the election is over and there is no vote on the remaining nominees (unless there are multiple seats to fill).

RONR (12th ed.) 46:38.

Yes.  "If the existence of an error or material omisison in the minutes becomes reasonably established after their approval--even many years later--the minutes can then be corrected by means of the motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted, which requires a two-thirds vote, or a majority vote with notice, or the vote of a majority of the entire membership, or unanimous consent."  RONR (12th ed.) 48:15.

No. "In cases where the chair knows that persons seeking the floor have opposite opinions on the question (and the member to be recognized is not determined by [the rules above], the chair lets the floor alternate, as far as possible, between those favoring and those opposing the measure."  RONR (12th ed.) 3:33.

Without a specific rule, no. "[A] member cannot yield any unexpired portion of his time to another member . . . ." RONR (12th ed.) 43:10.

Yes (if the motion to Adjourn is in order at all, given the parliamentary situation). "Under any of conditions (1) through (3) above [(2) is "When a time for adjourning is already established, either because the assembly has adopted a motion or a program setting such a time, or because the order of business, the bylaws, or other governing rules prescribe it."], a motion to adjourn is not privileged and is treated just as any other main motion." RONR (12th ed.) 21:3.

A motion that a standing vote be counted (with tellers) is a form of "Motions Relating to Methods of Voting and the Polls." RONR (12th ed.) 30. Such a motion requires a second, is not debatable, and requires a majority vote.

Only once (unlike most other debatable motions). However, the presiding officer has the right to speak twice--first and last without leaving the chair.  RONR (12th ed.) 24:3(5).

None. Robert's does not use or describe the position of "Immediate Past President." Such a position would exist and have responsibilities only if provided in the organization's governing documents. RONR (12th ed.) 47.

"Although it is preferable to divide a question when it is first introduced, a motion to divide can be made at any time that the main motion, an amendment which it is proposed to divide, or the motion to Postpone Indefinitely is immediately pending--even after the Previous Question has been ordered." RONR (12th ed.) 27:3(1). 

The "Gordian Knot motion" is a use of the motion to Suspend Rules in order to get a fresh start if the parliamentary situation has become to complicated. The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4^th Edition)("Sturgis") discusses the process at page 86.   

Incidental motion. RONR (12th ed.) t10 (Table of Rules Relating to Motions).

"Any standing rule of a convention (except one prescribing the parliamentary authority) can be suspended for a particular specified purpose by a majority vote, even if the rule required a two-thirds vote for its adoption. Under such a suspension, however, the applicable rules in the parliamentary authority prescribed by the bylaws (or by a rule of the convention) come into force--as if the standing rule had not been adopted. To suspend a convention standing rule and also the general parliamentary rule normally applying to the same situation requires a two-thirds vote, just as to suspend the general rule when no standing rule is involved."  RONR (12th ed.) 59:37.

Ocassionally in large organizations (and rarely these days) the responsibility for issuing notices of meetings and conducting correspondence for the organization is given to a separately elected officer from the Secretary. In the event there are both such officers, one is the Secretary and the other the Corresponding Secretary. RONR (12th ed.) 47:37.

The motion to Lay on the Table cannot be qualified in any way. "In moving it, a member can mention its intended purpose or name a time at which he plans to move that the question be taken from the table, but he canot move to lay a question 'on the table until after the completion of . . .' or, 'on the table until 2 P.M.'  Rather than always ruling such a motion out of order, however, the chair should properly treat it as a motion 'to postpone the question until . . .'; that is, he should state the motion as admittted in that form unless the motion to Postpone is not in order at the time." RONR (12th ed.) 17:21.

Yes, a motion to Table can be made while an order for the Previous Question is in force. "If debate has been closed by ordering the Previous Question or by the expiration of the time to which debate was limited, then up until the moment of taking the last vote under the order, the questions still before the assembly can be laid on the table." RONR (12th ed.) 17:12.

If the minutes show that there is some business to come up under this category, the chair should "state the question on the first item of busines that is due to come up under this heading; and when it has been disposed of, he should proceed through the remaining subjects in their proper order." RONR (12th ed.) 41:24.

Likely no. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) discusses electronic meetings, but requires supporting bylaws language. "Except as authorized in the bylaws, the business of an organization or board can be validly transacted only at a regular or properly called meeting--that is, as defined in 8:2(1), a single official gathering in one room or area--of the assembly of its members at which a quorum is present." RONR (12th ed.) 9:30. Further, "an electronic meeting that is properly authorized in the bylaws is treated as though it were a meeting at which all the members who are participating are actually present." RONR (12th ed.) 9:31.

One caveat is that many organizations these days (unions, nonprofits, HOAs and condo associations) are governed by federal or state laws that may permit or prohibit telephonic or virtual meetings. 

"After the nominating committee has presented its report and before voting for the different offices takes place, the chair must call for further nominations from the floor." RONR (12th ed.) 46:18.

Special orders. RONR (12th ed.) 41:20.

"Nonmembers, on the other hand--or a particular nonmember or group of nonmembers--can be excluded at any time from part or all of a meeting of a society, or from all of its meetings. Such exclusion can be effected by a ruling of the chair in cases of disorder, or by the adoption of a rule on the subject, or by an appropriate motion as the need arises--a motion of the latter nature being a question of privilege." RONR (12th ed.) 61:7.

None. "Unlike a special meeting, an adjourned meeting does not require notice, although it is desirable to give such notice if feasible." RONR (12th ed.) 22:9.

Informal Consideration. RONR (12th ed.) 52:24.

If a Point of Order citing the conflict is raised, "the custom falls to the ground, and the conflicting provision in the parliamentary authority or written rule must thereafter be complied with." RONR (12th ed.) 2:25.

Technically, yes. "If a quorum cannot be obtained, the chair calls the meeting to order, announces the absence of a quorum, and entertains a motion to adjourn or one of the other motions allowed, as described above." RONR (12th ed.) 40:11.

No. "Another type of motion that cannot divided is one whose parts are not easily separated." RONR (12th ed.) 27:5. If no moped is purchased, it cannot be kept filled up with gas! The motion could be amended, however, to change or even delete one part or the other.

No. "In an organized society, the adjourned meeting scheduled by adoption of this motion (privileged or main) must be set for a time before that of the next regular meeeting." RONR (12th ed.) 22:7.

No. "When the bylaws require a vote to be taken by ballot, this requirement cannot be suspended--even by a unanimous vote--so as to take the vote by a nonsecret method." RONR (12th ed.) 45:20.

No. "Rights in regard to debate are not transferable. Unless the organization has a special rule on the subject, a member cannot yield any unexpired portion of his time to another member, or reserve any portion of his time for a later time--that is, if a member yields the floor before speaking his full ten minutes, he is presumed to have waived his right to the remaining time." RONR (12th ed.) 43:10.

By "refusing to recognize them." RONR (12th ed.) 47:7(5).

Dilatory. RONR (12th ed.) 39:1.

When the Appeal "(a) relates to indecorum or a transgression of the rules of speaking; (b) relates to the priority of business; or (c) is made when an undebatable question is immediately pending or involved in the appeal." RONR (12th ed.) 24:3.

A two thirds vote of those voting would be required to not conform to the agenda, program, or order of business. RONR (12th ed.) 18:1.

No. RONR (12th ed.) 18:4.

Not once debate begins. "The objection can be raised only before there has been any debate or any subsidiary motion except Lay on the Table has been stated by the chair; thereafter, consideration of the main question has begun and it is too late to object. RONR (12th ed.) 26:2.

Yes, within limitations. "If candidates are members of the organization, speakers must exercise caution to avoid making any personal criticisms of them in debate. Rather than attacking a nominee, a speaker may advocate the election of a rival candidate. By a two-thirds vote, the assembly may adopt a motion limiting debate to any extent desired." RONR (12th ed.) 46:28.

By demanding a separate vote on the individual rule, at which point "the remainder of the rules are acted on first, and then those seperated out are acted on individually." RONR (12th ed.) 59:32.

"The only business that can be transacted at a special meeting is that which has been specified in the call of the meeting. This rule, however, does not preclude the consideration of privileged motions, or of any subsidiary, incidental, or other motions that may arise in connection with the transaction of such business or the conduct of the meeting. If, at a special meeting, action is taken relating to business not mentioned in the call, tha action, to become valid, must be ratified by the organization at a regular meeting (or at another special meeting properly called for that purpose)." RONR (12th ed.) 9:15.

The motion to Reconsider. RONR (12th ed.) 37:8.

To "stand at ease." RONR (12th ed.) 8:2(4).

Because "the motion's introduction has been directed by a majority vote within the board or committee and is therefore desired by at least two assembly members or elected or appointed persons to whose opinion the assembly is presumed to give weight regarding the board's or committee's concerns." RONR (12th ed.) 4:11.

Any member (i.e., a member of the association if a membership meeting executive session; a board member if a board meeting executive session. In short, someone who had the right to be AT the executive session meeting can view minutes of the executive session. See RONR (12th ed.) 47:36.

Motions related to methods of voting and the polls require a majority vote, "except a motion to close the polls, which requires a two-thirds vote." RONR (12th ed.) 30:3(7).

It should be ruled out of order (although a motion to amend such documents may be in order). RONR (12th ed.) 10:26(1).

Yes, but for that session only, through a motion to Suspend the Rules and a two-thirds vote. RONR (12th ed.) 62:12.

Yes. "If applied to an amendment, it also takes precedence over that amendment." RONR (12th ed.) 27:3(1).

No. "[A] motion to divide the main question cannot be made while an amendment to the main qeustion is pending." RONR (12th ed.) 27:3(1).

The Motion to Close Debate and Vote Immediately. TSC, p. 65.

No. "The reporting teller never declares the result of a ballot vote." RONR (12th ed.) 45:39.

"The result is always declared by the chair, who also reades the tellers' report before he does so. In an election, the chair separately declares the election of each officer." RONR (12th ed.) 45:39.

"If the motion of referral to the commitee of the whole is adopted, the presiding officer immediately calls another member to the chair--frequently, but not necessarily, the vice-president--and takes his place as a member of the committee." RONR (12th ed.) 52:7.

Under The Standard Code, “The motion to reconsider can be applied only to the main motion. The same result is accomplished for all other motions by more simple and direct means. Other motions that have lost can be proposed again or renewed as soon as, in the judgment of the presiding officer, the vote might result differently. Other motions that have carried can be changed easily by procedural motions." The Standard Code, page 39.

No. The motion to amend by striking out certain words can be amended only by striking out words from the primary amendment.  "As a consequence of the rule stated at the beginning of this paragraph, a primary amendment to strike out a single word cannot be amended." RONR (12th ed.) 12:49.

"Any standing rule of a convention (except one prescribing the parliamentary authority) can be suspended for a particular specified purpose by a majority vote, even if the rule required a two-thirds vote for its adoption. Under such a suspension, however, the applicable rules in the parliamentary authority prescribed by the bylaws (or by a rule of the convention) come into force--as if the standing rule had not been adopted." RONR (12th ed.) 59:37.

"Unless the bylaws provide otherwise, a member who holds an office may be a candidate for another office, but if the member is elected to and accepts an incompatible office, the former office is forfeited." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p.154.  

Ordinary standing rule--majority to adopt, suspended temporarily by majority vote.

Convention standing rule--majority or two-thirds to adopt (depending on whether adopted as a "package" or individually and on the nature of the rule), suspended temporarily by majority vote.

RONR (12th ed.) 2:14-24.

RONR (12th ed.) 48:

Notices of motions – Yes
Names of members present – No
Date and time of meeting – Yes
All main motions and the wording in which each motion was adopted – Yes
Debate by members – No
Names of movers of motions – Yes
Names of seconders of motions – No
The time of adjournment - Yes

"Ordered." RONR (12th ed.) 10:24.

No. "Although the motion to create a blank may appear to resemble a motion to amend by striking out and inserting, it is in fact an incidental motion (see 6:15). . . . The motion to create a blank . . .  can also be made and voted on while a primary or a secondary amendment relating to the subject specification is pending." RONR (12th ed.) 12.  

"If the bylaws contain no provision for their amendment, they can be amended by a two-thirds vote if previous notice (in the sense defined in 10:44) has been given, or they can be amended by the vote of a majority of the entire membership." RONR (12th ed.) 56:50.

Objection to the Consideration of a Question. RONR (12th ed.) 26:2.

Not enough information to answer because we don't know if the objection to consideration was adopted or rejected. "A negative vote--that is, a vote sustaining the objection--can be reconsidered, but not an affirmative vote." RONR (12th ed.) 26:2(8).

To inform the assembly of business requiring attention before adjournment;
to make important announcements;
To make (but not to take up) a motion to reconsider a previous vote;
to make a motion to Reconsider and Enter on the Minutes;
to give notice of a motion to be made at the next meeting (or on the next day, in a session consisting of daily meetings) where the motion requires previous notice (see 10:44-51); and
to move to set a time for an adjourned meeting (9, 22) if there is no meeting scheduled for later within the same session.

RONR (12th ed.) 21:10.

"In most societies it is usual to elect the officers from among the members; but in all except secret societies, unless the bylaws provide otherwise, it is possible for an organization to choose its officers from outside its membership." RONR (12th ed.) 47:2.

"The phrase 'the next business in order' is correct; the phrase 'the next order of business' is incorrect."            

"Note: To say 'the first order of business,' or 'the next [or, the third] order of business,' is like saying 'the first week of the day,' or 'the next [or, the third] year of the month,' or 'the next [or, the third] ball game of the inning.'  The assembly has but one order of business--the various categories or items of business as listed under an order of business are to be acted on in that scheduled business order.  Hence say: 'the first business in order,' 'the next business in order,' 'the last business in order,' and not 'the first order of business,' or 'the second order of business,' etc.  It is a gross error to say 'the first order of business,' and the like." Demeter's Manual of Parliamentary Law, p. 15.  

Yes, but only if the motion does not postpone the matter beyond the current session. "In a case where more than a quarterly time interval (see 9:7) will elapse between meetings (for example in an annual convention of delegates or in a local society that holds only an annual meeting), a question cannot be postponed beyond the end of the present session." RONR (12th ed.) 14:6. 

"(1) the kind of meeting: regular, special, adjourned regular, or adjourned special;
 (2) the name of the society or assembly;
 (3) the date and time of the meeting, and the place, if it is not always the same;
 (4) the fact that the regular chairman and secretary were present or, in their absence, the names of the persons who substituted for them; and
 (5) whether the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved--as read, or as corrected--and the date of that meeting if it was other than a regular business meeting. Any correction approved by the assembly is made in the text of the minutes being approved; the minutes of the meeting making the correction merely state that the minutes were approved 'as corrected,' without specifying what the correction was (see first paragraph of form, 48:8)." RONR (12th ed.) 48:4.

Majority. "A revised set of bylaws requires only a majority vote for adoption." The Standard Code, p. 209.

Yes, you can speak against the committee report. However, you cannot make reference to what occurred during the committee's discussion of the issue. "But in debate on any written or oral report in the assembly, any member of the reporting committee who does not concur has the same right as any other member of the assembly to speak individually in opposition. No one can make allusion in the assembly to what has occurred during the deliberations of the committee, however, unless it is by report of the committee or by unanimous consent. RONR (12 ed.) 51:65.

Tellers' Report for Election

Number of Votes cast . . . . . . . . .340
Necessary for Election . . . . . . . .171
Bob Blue received . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Tim Turner received . . . . . . . . . .125
Jim Jones received . . . . . . . . . . 30

Illegal votes
Mickey Mouse (ineligible) . . . . . . . 20

No, a candidate was not elected on this ballot.

See Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition) § 45:31-41.

Yes. Motions relating to methods of voting and the polls are incidental motions and "can be moved while an order for the Previous Question is in effect on the votes to which they apply." RONR (12 ed.) 30:3(1).

Filling a Bland with Amounts of Money: "[W]henever a logical order is apparent, to arrange the proposed entries so that the one least likely to be acceptable will be voted on first, and so on. New supporters may then be gained with each succeeding vote until a majority in favor of one entry is reached. . . .  In the case of such a motion--to accept a sum of money in settlement--the amounts being considered should be arranged and voted on in order from the smallest to the largest." RONR (12th ed.) 12:109-109.

As a result, the figures should be voted on in the following order: $90,000; $100,000; $110,000; $125,000.

(1) If the bylaws or special rules of order require more than a majority vote;
(2) if the motion would have the effect of suspending a rule of order or a parliamentary right of members; or
(3) if the motion would have the effect of changing something already adopted. RONR (12 ed.) 10:8(7).

"A president-elect (with hyphen) is the organization's newly elected president who has not yet been formally installed in office. A president elect (no hyphen) is an officer chosen at the previous election, and is the organization's pre-elected next president." Demeter, p. 255.

"Matters that the bylaws require to be considered at a particular meeting, such as the nomination and election of officers, may be regarded as special orders for the meeting and be considered under the heading of Special Orders in the order of business." (In other words, after Reports of Special Committees, but before Unfinished Business and General Orders.) RONR (12th ed.) 41:20.

No, the motion to table is not in order. "At a special meeting (39), it is dilatory and out of order to move to lay on the table the matter for which the meeting has been called." RONR (12th ed.) 17:14.

Yes. The privileged motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn "can be moved even after the assembly has voted to adjourn, provided that the chair has not yet declared the assembly adjourned." RONR (12th ed.) 22:6(1).

No, the Point of Order is not well taken.  The motion to Rescind is not in order if "it has previously been moved to reconsider the vote on the main motion, and the question can be reached by calling up the motion to Reconsider."  Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition)?  §35 (p. 308).  In the present case, no motion to reconsider was previously moved, and either the motion to reconsider or the motion to rescind would be in order.

S-H-I-P = S-safety; H-health; I-integrity, and protection of P-property. Demeter, p. 106.

The "Gordian Knot" Motion, p. 86.

"An adjourned meeting takes up its work at the point where it was interrupted in the order of business or in the consideration of the question that was postponed to the adjourned meeting, except that the minutes of the preceding meeting are first read." RONR (12th ed.) 9:19.  

"But if a quorum fails to appear at a regular or properly called meeting, the inability to transact business does not detract from the fact that the society's rules requiring the meeting to be held were complied with and the meeting was convened--even though it had to adjourn immediately." RONR (12th ed.) 40:6. 

"The motion to amend by striking out certain words can be amended only by striking out words from the primary amendment. The effect of such a secondary amendment is that words struck out of the primary amendment will remain in the main motion regardless of whether the primary amendment is adopted or rejected." RONR (12th ed.) 12:49.  

Not unless the convention rules so provide. After all, the concerns in counting a standing vote (that members may move around and confuse the count) are not present in taking a roll call vote (no one can vote unless called upon, and no one who has voted will be called upon a second time). In fact, this language exists as to counting a rising vote: "In all but small assemblies, the doors should be closed and no one should enter or leave the hall while a count is being taken." RONR (12th ed.) 45:15.  

"When an appeal is debatable, no member is allowed to speak more than once except the presiding officer--who need not leave the chair while so speaking, but should stand." RONR (12th ed.) 24:3(5).  

"The body of the minutes should contain a separate paragraph for each subject matter and should show: 6) all main motions (10) or motions to bring a main question again before the assembly (6:25-27; 34-37) that were made or taken up--except, normally, any that were withdrawn . . . ."  (Instances in which a main motion that is withdrawn might require mention in the minutes are shown in 48:4(6)n3.) RONR (12th ed.) 48:4.

Rules of order. RONR (12th ed.) 2:14.

“Consequently, when the outgoing portion of the board vacates membership, all matters temporarily but not finally disposed of (see 9:8-11, 38:8), except those that remain in the hands of a committee to which they have been referred, fall to the ground under provision (c) in 21:7." RONR (12th ed.) 49:22.  

An executive committee. RONR (12th ed.) 49:13.  

If the appeal "(a) relates to indecorum or a transgression of the rules of speaking; (b) relates to the priority of business; or (c) is made when an undebatable question is immediately pending or involved in the appeal. RONR (12th ed.) 24:3(5).  

"If two business sessions are separated by more than a quarterly time interval . . . then business can go over from the earlier session to the later one only by means of referral to a committee." RONR (12th ed.) 9:8.

Main motions may be reconsidered. Other motions cannot. The Standard Code, p. 236.

“A majority or tie vote sustains the decision of the chair on the principle that the chair's decision stands until reversed by a majority. If the presiding officer is a member of the assembly, he can vote to create a tie and thus sustain his decision.”  RONR (12th ed.) 24:3 (7).

"The special order for the meeting will then be taken up as soon as the minutes have been approved, and the remainder of the order of business will not be taken up until this special order has been disposed of." RONR (12th ed.) 41:57.  

"[I]n organizations where copies of the minutes of each previous meeting as prepared by the secretary are sent to all members in advance, the chair announces that this has been done, and the actual reading of them aloud is omitted unless any member then requests that they be read." RONR (12th ed.) 41:9.  

Yes. "The adoption of an order for the Previous Question does not prevent the making of privileged or incidental motions as applicable, and, strictly speaking, it does not prevent a special order set for a particular hour from interrupting the pending business (see also 16:10). RONR (12th ed.) 16:2.  

To "stand at ease." RONR (12th ed.) 8:2(4). 

"These forms of the motion are: (a) to 'go into a committee of the whole'; (b) to 'go into quasi committee of the whole' (or, to 'consider as if in committee of the whole'); and (c) to 'consider informally.'" RONR (12th ed.) 13:2. 

None. A single member can make such a demand. "Effect of Call for Division of the Assembly. To require the presiding officer to take a standing vote on the motion just voted on and to count the votes if there is any doubt as to which side prevails." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4th Edition), p. 100.

Yes. "The rule that, when a main motion is adopted, no other conflicting main motion is thereafter in order is not applicable to the motion to amend the bylaws, since several notices of proposals representing different approaches to the same problem may have been given, and all such bylaw amendments are entitled to be considered.'" RONR (12th ed.) 57:1.

"Pairing." Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure (2000 Edition) § 538, p. 385.

No. "If the presiding officer is a member of the assembly, he can vote as any other member when the vote is by ballot (see also 45:28). In all other cases the presiding officer, if a member of the assembly, can (but is not obliged to) vote whenever his vote will affect the result--that is, he can vote either to break or to cause a tie; or, in a case where a two-thirds vote is required, he can vote either to cause or to block the attainment of the necessary two thirds." RONR (12th ed.) 44:12.

Any of the following motions:

Amend an udebatable motion
Arrange order of consideration of bylaw amendments
Consider by paragraph or Seriatim
Division of a Question
Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn (when privileged)
Limt or Extend Limits of Debate
Motions relating to methods of voting and the polls
Motions relating to nominations
Recess (when privileged)
Take measures to obtain a quorum (when privileged)

RONR (12th ed.) Charts, Tables & Lists, t47.

"Continued meeting." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p. 104.

Yes. "A member of a society who is in arrears in payments of his dues, but who has not been formally dropped from the membership rolls and is not under a disciplinary suspension, retains the full rights of a voting member and is entitled to vote except as the bylaws may otherwise provide." RONR (12th ed.) 45:1.

"In the absence of the secretary, a secretary pro tem must be elected; the corresponding, financial, or executive secretary in organizations having such officers is not an automatic replacement." RONR (12th ed.) 47:34. In practice, what often happens and is appropriate is that a person is selected by the presiding officer and "without objection" (unanimous consent) acts as secretary for the meeting.

Yes. "If the motion to close debate is proposed as soon as a main motion has been stated to the assembly, its adoption prevents any discussion of the question." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4th Ed.), p. 66.

"There is no need, however, to refer to oneself in debate in the third person as by the use of such expressions as 'this member.' A member's debate is expected and intended to be partial, and the first person is quite acceptable."  RONR (12th ed.) 43:23.

"[N]o standing rule which has only a single application can be suspended, since this would be equivalent to rescinding the rule, and the case would have to be treated accordingly." RONR (12th ed.) 59:37.

An adjourned meeting. RONR (12th ed.) 9:17.

No. "Similarly, it is out of order for a member to debate the issue and end the remarks with a motion to close debate." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (4th Ed.), p. 66.

It depends--because the motion to postpone is not restricted based on how many times your assembly meets during the year, but by how long an interval will pass between this meeting and the next. "If two business sessions are separated by more than a quarterly time interval—or if the term of a specified portion of the membership expires before the start of the later session (as may happen in an elected legislative session or in a board)—then business can go over from the earlier session to the later one only by means of referral to a committee." RONR (12th ed.) 9:8. As a result, unless your meetings are unevenly spaced during the year, it would NOT be appropriate to postpone, in that such a period would be longer than a quarterly time interval.

The motion will come up at the next meeting under the heading of "Unfinished Business." "The term unfinished business, in cases where the regular business meetings of an organization are not separated by more than a quarterly time interval (9:7), refers to questions that have come over from the previous meeting (other than special orders) as a result of that meeting's having adjourned without completing its order of business (21:7(b)) and without scheduling an adjourned meeting (9, 22) to complete it." RONR (12th ed.) 41:21.

"Such conflicting motions, if adopted, are null and void unless adopted by the vote required to rescind or amend the motion previously adopted." RONR (12th ed.) 39:5.

No. "Debate restricted to brief discussion on the selection, membership, or duties of the committee, or instructions to it." The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure, p. 58.