Duties and Directives Handbook - 2004

              A motion should not be discussed until it is PROPERLY
SECONDED. When any item of business or policy is brought before
the meeting, some preliminary explanation may be necessary before a
motion can be made but the chairperson should not permit
explanation or answering of questions bearing on the same to
continue unduly before calling for a motion, and she must see that the
members confine themselves to the MOTION UNDER
CONSIDERATION.
When a motion has been made and seconded, the chair
should repeat the motion with the name of the mover, and seconder,
and then say, " You have heard the motion. It is open for discussion."
Ample opportunity must be given for discussion. When all have
spoken who wish to do so, the chair asks, " Are you ready for the
question?" Those who are say, " Question", or silence gives consent,
then she must always call for the vote of those opposed. When it is
difficult to count the votes from " For" or " Against" or a show of
hands, a standing vote may be called for by the chair. A majority of
votes is required to carry a motion, unless otherwise provided. In the
event of a tie, the motion is declared lost.
When motions arise concerning expenditures of money, a
2/ 3 majority vote shall be required.
When the motions arise which are of a controversial nature,
it is strongly suggested that a 2/ 3 majority be required.
AMENDMENTS
After a motion has been moved and seconded, some one
may offer an amendment, which must be seconded. When a vote is
taken, the amendment is taken first. If the amendment is lost, the
original motion is voted on. If the amendment is carried, the meeting
is asked to vote on the original motion as amended.
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