Rules of Order
Roberts Rules of Order – Simplified
Guiding Principles:
Everyone has the right to participate in discussion before anyone speaks a second time.
Everyone has the right to know what is going on at all times. Only urgent matters may interrupt a speaker.
Only one motion can be discussed at a time.
Motions:
Introducing a Motion: After recognition by the president, present your motion. Requires a second.
Amending a Motion: After recognition, move to amend by adding, striking, or inserting words.
Substitute Motion: Move to substitute your motion for the original.
Refer to Committee: Move to refer the motion for further study.
Postpone: Move to postpone to a definite time/date for more study.
Limit Debate: Move to limit debate to a set time or number of speakers (requires 2/3 vote).
Close Debate: Move to close the debate and bring to a vote (requires 2/3 vote).
Table Motion: Move to table the motion, which can be reconsidered at the next meeting.
Call for Orders of the Day: Call to return to the agenda.
Recess: Move to take a break.
Adjourn: Move to end the meeting.
Division of the House: Call for a roll call vote if unsure of the vote results.
Point of Information/Parliamentary Inquiry: Request clarification on procedures.
Reconsider: Move to reconsider a motion voted on earlier (must have been on the winning side).
Rescind: Move to change an action from an earlier meeting.
Unanimous Consent:
Call for unanimous consent if a matter is minor or opposition is not expected. The Lead will repeat the request and pause for objections. If none, the motion passes.
Voting:
In order to be eligible for votes, the following must exist:
Participants must be an Individual Founding Member of Intersect
Voting candidates (1 per Project) must be in attendance for 2 consecutive meetings to qualify.
Interrupting a Speaker:
For information about business – Point of Information.
For information about rules – Parliamentary Inquiry.
For safety, hearing, or comfort issues – Question of Privilege.
For breach of rules – Point of Order.
To disagree with the Lead’s ruling – Appeal.
To object to unanimous consent – Object.
Quick Reference:
Motion | Must Be Seconded | Open for Discussion | Can be Amended | Vote Count Required to Pass | May Be Reconsidered or Rescinded |
Main Motion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | Yes |
Amend Motion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | Yes |
Kill a Motion | Yes | No | No | Majority | Yes |
Limit Debate | Yes | No | Yes | 2/3 | Yes |
Close Discussion | Yes | No | No | 2/3 | Yes |
Recess | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | No |
Adjourn (End meeting) | Yes | No | No | Majority | No |
Refer to Committee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | Yes |
Postpone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | Yes |
Table | Yes | No | No | Majority | No |
Postpone Indefinitely | Yes | Yes | Yes | Majority | No |
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