• The purpose of the rules is to encourage cooperation and balance among group members.
• All members have equal rights which include (but are not limited to) the following:
  • The right to a complete, open discussion of every motion.
  • The right to know what question is being discussed (which may mean restating it prior to voting).
  • The majority of the group has the right to make decisions, and the minority has rights which need to be acknowledged and protected.
• All members of the group have an equal amount of privileges and obligations.
• Members may not speak until they have been acknowledged by the meeting chairperson.
• A member may not speak on the same question twice as long as there is another member who wants to speak for the first time.
• The meeting chairperson should be unbiased and fair.

• Unless your group has established its own rule, generally a member may not speak longer than ten minutes unless she or he obtains the group’s consent.
• No one can speak more than twice in the same meeting regarding one question.
• A member must be recognized by the chairperson before speaking.
• Debating rights are nontransferable, which means a member cannot “give” her or his speaking time to another member.
• There are some general guidelines regarding what members say:
  • Statements must be related to the topic at hand.
  • Members should be able to speak free from distractions such as whispering, hissing and so forth.
  • Persons speaking should do so in a loud, clear manner.
  • When speaking, one should not attack another member’s motives or ideas.
  • Members should stand when speaking.

• There are three steps involved in making a motion:
  • A member makes the motion.
  • Another member seconds the motion.
  • The chairperson states the motion.
• Three steps are also involved in considering a motion:
  • The members debate the motion (see debate rules above).
  • The chairperson requests a vote, at which time she or he restates the pending question so all members are clear about what they are voting upon.
  • The chairperson states the results of the vote, which may include:
    • Stating which side prevailed.
    • Asserting that the motion has either been adopted or lost.
    • Indicating what the vote means or ordering its implementation.
    • Announcing the next item of business, if applicable.

• There are three basic methods of voting:
  • Voice vote: Typically adopted when the pending question does not require more than a majority vote in order to pass. Involves members saying either “yea” or “no” to indicate their voting preferences.
  • Rising vote: Generally used when the voice vote has not concluded with a definite result; also used when 2/3 vote is required in order for a motion to pass. Involves members standing to indicate their voting preferences.
  • Show of hands: Often used to confirm an inconclusive voice vote and is generally limited to rather small meetings. Involves members raising hands to indicate their voting preferences.
• Other methods may be ordered if the above ones do not provide conclusive results:
  • Ballot: Normally used when secrecy is important. This method should always be used when the vote is related to charges or proposed charges against a group member. Involves members writing their votes on pieces of paper, which are then tallied by the chairperson.
  • Roll call: Only used when the group is responsible to a constituency. Involves recording in writing how each person votes.
• To determine the results of a vote, generally the majority (more than half) prevails although some groups require a 2/3 vote. This number does not include blanks nor abstentions.

Cagle, J.A. (1990). Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. CA State University at Fresno: On-Line.