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Robert's Rules Scripts

Scripts
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Main Motion
State the Question
It is moved and seconded that (to) __________ .
Handle Debate
Is there any discussion?
[After speech in favor of motion:]
Who wishes to speak against the motion?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on the motion [as amended] that (to) ___.
Take the Vote
Those in favor say “aye.” [pause] Those opposed say “no.” [pause]
Primary Amendment
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to [Read Amendment].
The words to be added and/or stricken appear on the screen in bold italics, or “strikeout” text.
The question is on the adoption of the amendment.
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of amendment:]
Who wishes to speak against the amendment?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on [Repeat Amendment].
If the amendment is adopted, the main motion will read as it appears on the screen.
Take the Vote
Those in favor say “aye.” [pause] Those opposed say “no.” [pause]
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the secondary amendment is adopted. The question is now on the primary amendment as amended.
If Negative Majority or Tie
The negatives have it and the amendment is lost. The question is now on the main motion.
Secondary Amendment
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to [Read Amendment] .
If the secondary amendment is adopted, the primary amendment will read as it appears on the screen.
The question is on [Repeat Amendment] .
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of amendment:]
Who wishes to speak against the secondary amendment?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on [Repeat Amendment] .
If the secondary amendment is adopted, the primary amendment will read as it appears on the screen.
Take the Vote
Those in favor say “aye.” [pause] Those opposed say “no.” [pause]
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the secondary amendment is adopted. The question is now on the primary amendment as amended.
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it and the secondary amendment is lost. The question is now on the primary amendment.
Appeal
State the Question
The decision of the chair is appealed from. [State issue and reasons for decision.] The question is, “Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?”
Handle Debate
This appeal is undebatable because:
[Give the ONE appropriate reason below:]
– it relates to the priority of business
Put the Question
The question is, “Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?”
Take the Vote
Those in favor of sustaining the decision of the chair say “aye.” [pause] Those opposed to sustaining the decision of the chair say “no.” [pause]
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the chair’s decision is sustained. [Explain effect.]
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it and the chair’s decision is not sustained. [Explain effect.]
Point of Order
State the Question
The member will state his/her point of order.
Handle Debate
Member describes point.
Announce Result
The chair rules that the point of order is / is not well taken. [Explain reasons.]
Previous Question (Call the Question)
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to order the previous question. Ordering the previous question will end debate.
Put the Question
Those in favor of ordering the previous question please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Those opposed please stand.
Announce Result
There are __ in the affirmative and __ in the negative.
If 2/3 in Affirmative
There are two thirds in the affirmative and the previous question is ordered. The question is now on the adoption of the motion _____ [State in full the motion on which the previous question has now been ordered, and immediately take the vote on it.]
If more than 1/3 in Negative
There are less than two thirds in the affirmative and the motion for the previous question is lost. The question is now on ________.
Request for Information / Parliamentary Inquiry
State the Question
State your request or inquiry.
[member presents request or inquiry]
Announce Result
[Either respond directly to the request/inquiry, or recognize someone who can do so on your behalf. Such a response is not a “ruling,” but only an “opinion.” if the member wants to challenge the opinion, he or she must proceed to an action, be ruled out of order, and then appeal that ruling].
Suspend the Rules (Parliamentary Authority or Extend Time)
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to suspend the rules and/to __________ .
Put the Question
Those in favor please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Those opposed please stand.
If 2/3 in Affirmative
There are two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. The rules are suspended so that [Explain effect of motion] .
If more than 1/3 in Negative
There are less than two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is lost. The question is now on ...
Amend Adopted Agenda
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to amend the agenda by _____ [repeat proposed amendment] . If the amendment is adopted, the agenda will read as will be projected on the screen. The question is on _____ [repeat proposed amendment] .
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of amendment]:
Who wishes to speak against the amendment?
Put the Question
The question is on amending the agenda by _____ [repeat proposed amendment], as projected on the screen.
Take the Vote
Those in favor of amending the agenda by _____ [repeat proposed amendment] please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Those opposed please stand. Either count, or say “you may be seated.”
Announce Result
There are two thirds [or there is a majority of the entire membership] in the affirmative, and the motion is adopted. [EXPLAIN EFFECT]
OR: There are less than two thirds [or there is less than a majority of the entire membership] in the affirmative, and the motion is lost.
AmendSomething Previously Adopted
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to [Read Amendment]
If the amendment is adopted, the previously adopted motion will read as it appears on the screens.
The question is on [Repeat Amendment].
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of the amendment:]
Who wishes to speak against the amendment?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on [Repeat Amendment] .
If the amendment is adopted, the previously adopted motion will read as it appears on the screens.
Take the Vote
[if notice was given, handle with voice vote as a main motion].
Those in favor of [Repeat Amendment] please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say: “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Announce Result
If counted, There are __ in the affirmative and __ in the negative.
IF THERE WAS PREVIOUS NOTICE:
The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. The motion previously adopted on ___ is amended.
If Negative Majority or Tie
Call for the Orders of the Day
State the Question
The orders of the day are called for. The orders of the day are [identify the business that is in order].
Handle Debate
Before proceeding to the orders of the day, any pending questions are put to a vote without further debate, unless someone moves to extend time, lay the question on the table, postpone it, or refer it to a committee. …
[If moved, ➠ go to appropriate motion script]
[If not moved or defeated, put all pending questions to vote without debate, then take up business in order.]
Put the Question
The question is, “Will the assembly proceed to the orders of the day?”
Take the Vote
Those in favor of proceeding to the order of the day please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say: “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Those opposed please stand.
Announce Result
If counted: There are __ in the affirmative and __ in the negative.
If 2/3 in Affirmative
There are less than two thirds opposed to the motion. The assembly will proceed to the orders of the day. The next item of business is _____.
If more than 1/3 in Negative
There are two thirds opposed to the motion. The assembly will not proceed to the orders of the day. The question is on _______ .
Commit or Refer
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to refer the motion to _________.
Handle Debate
Is there any discussion?
[After speech in favor of referral:]
Who wishes to speak against referral?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on referring the motion to ______.
Take the Vote
Those in favor of referral say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the motion is referred to ___. The question is now on _____.
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it and the motion to refer is lost. The question is now on the main motion, which is _____.
Consider by Paragraph
State the Question
It is moved and seconded that the motion [amendment/resolution] be considered seriatim.
Handle Debate
The motion to consider seriatim is not debatable, but it can be amended. Are there any amendments to the motion?
Put the Question
The question is on considering the motion [amendment/resolution] seriatim.
Take the Vote
Those in favor of considering the motion [amendment/ resolution] seriatim say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. The motion will be considered seriatim.
➠ Go to next slide.
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it and the motion is lost. The question is on _____ .
Divide the Question
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to divide the question so as to consider separately __________.
Handle Debate
The motion to divide the question is not debatable, but it can be amended. Are there any amendments to the motion?
Put the Question
The question is on dividing the question so as to consider separately __________ .
Take the Vote
Those in favor of dividing the question say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. The question will be divided. The question is on the motion that (to) _____ [repeating first part of original motion] .
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it and the motion is lost. The question is on the motion that (to) _____ [repeating original motion].
Lay on the Table
State the Question
For what purpose does the member seek to lay the pending question(s) on the table?
Handle Debate
Member gives reason. If to kill motion: It is out of order to lay a motion on the table in order to suppress the motion without debate. If to address something else: It is moved and seconded to lay the pending question(s) on the table.
Put the Question
Those in favor of laying the pending question(s) on the table say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The affirmative has it and the motion is adopted.
The question is now on _____.
OR Is there further new business?
If Negative Majority or Tie
The negative has it and the motion is lost. The question is now on _____.
Limit or Extend Limits of Debate (Main Motion)
State the Question
It is moved and seconded that debate ________________
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of motion:]
Who wishes to speak against the motion?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question? The question is on the adoption of the motion that debate __________ .
Take the Vote
Those in favor of _______________ please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say: “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Those opposed please stand.
If 2/3 in Affirmative
There are two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. [EXPLAIN EFFECT]
If more than 1/3 in Negative
OR: There are less than two-thirds in the negative and the motion is lost.
Limit or Extend Limits of Debate (Subsidiary)

State the Question
It is moved and seconded that debate ________________
Handle Debate
The motion to limit or extend limits of debate is not debatable, but it can be amended. Are there any amendments to the motion?
Put the Question
The question is on the adoption of the motion that debate __________ .
Take the Vote
Those in favor of _______________ please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say: “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Those opposed please stand.
If Affirmative Majority
There are two thirds in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. [EXPLAIN EFFECT]
If 2/3 in Affirmative
OR: There are less than two-thirds in the negative and the motion is lost.
Postpone Definitely (to a Certain Time)
State the Question
The question is on the motion to postpone the main motion ________________.
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of postponing:]
Who wishes to speak against postponing?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on the motion to postpone the main motion ________________.
Take the Vote
Those in favor of postponing the main motion say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
Announce Result
The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. The main motion is postponed ___________. The next item of business is ______________ .
OR: The noes have it, and the motion is lost. The question is now on the main motion, “__________________ .”
IF SETS SPECIAL ORDER:
Postpone Indefinitely
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to postpone indefinitely the main motion, “________________.”
Handle Debate
This motion is debatable, and may go into the merits of the main motion. Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of postponing indefinitely:]
Who wishes to speak against postponing indefinitely? [After speech against postponing indefinitely:]
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on the motion to postpone indefinitely the main motion, “________________.”
Take the Vote
Those in favor of postponing the main motion indefinitely, say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it. The main motion is postponed indefinitely. The next item of business is ______________ .
If Negative Majority or Tie
OR: The noes have it, and the motion is lost. The question is now on the main motion, “__________________ .”
Question of Privilege
State the Question
The member will state his/her question.
Handle Debate
[Explains question of privilege].
Announce Result
If involves a question of privilege:
The chair direct _______________________.
If request is not a question of privilege:
Recess (with business pending)
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to recess for _____ minutes [or until _____].
Handle Debate
The privileged motion to recess is not debatable, but it can be amended. Are there any amendments to the motion?
Put the Question
The question is on the motion to recess for _____ minutes [or until _____].
Take the Vote
Those in favor of recessing for ___ minutes [or until ___ ] say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted.
The meeting stands recessed for ____ minutes [or until ___].
If Negative Majority or Tie
OR: The noes have it, and the motion is lost. The question is now on “__________________ .”
Recess (with no business pending)
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to recess for _____ minutes [or until _____].
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of recess:]
Who wishes to speak against recessing?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on the motion to recess for _____ minutes [or until _____].
Take the Vote
Those in favor of recessing for __ minutes [or until ___ ] say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted.
The meeting stands recessed for _____ minutes [or until _____].
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it, and the motion is lost. The question is now on “__________________ .” The meeting will come to order. The time of recess has expired. The question is on __________ .
Reconsider
State the Question
The member must state how s/he voted on _____
It is moved and seconded to reconsider the vote on _____
➠ Go to next slide
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of reconsideration:]
Who wishes to speak against reconsideration?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question? The question is on the motion to reconsider the vote on ___ .
Take the Vote
Those in favor of reconsidering the vote on _____ say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it, and the vote on _____ is reconsidered. The question is now on _____.
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it, and the motion to reconsider is lost.
The question is now on _____.
[OR] Is there further new business?
Rescind
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to rescind the motion relating to _____ adopted on _____ [date].
Handle Debate
Is there any debate?
[After speech in favor of rescinding:]
Who wishes to speak against rescinding?
Put the Question
Are you ready for the question?
The question is on rescinding the motion relating to _____ adopted on _____ [date] consider the vote on ___ .
Take the Vote
[if notice was given, handle with voice vote as a main motion].
Those in favor of rescinding ________ please stand.
If the number is obviously greater or less than 2/3, say: “you may be seated.” Otherwise, proceed to count the vote.
Announce Result
If counted, There are ____ in the affirmative and ___ in the negative.
IF THERE WAS PREVIOUS NOTICE:
The ayes have it, and the motion is adopted. The motion on ___ is rescinded.
Take from the Table
State the Question
It is moved and seconded to take from the table the motion relating to ____.
Put the Question
Those in favor of the motion say aye.
pause
Those opposed say no.
If Affirmative Majority
The ayes have it and the motion is adopted. The question is on ___ [Motion taken from table.]
If Negative Majority or Tie
The noes have it and the motion is lost.
The next item of business is _________ .
OR: Is there further new business?
⁠

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