Points & Motions
Procedure reference for points, motions, and related rules. Rules vary by conference — follow the chair's ruling.
📋 Motions
Motions are proposals to change what the committee is doing. They require a second, and often a vote. When multiple motions are on the floor, they are voted upon in order from most disruptive to least disruptive — the motion that would change committee business the most is voted on first.
Requires Simple Majority (50%+1) | Requires Two-Thirds Majority (⅔)
Opening & structuring debate
- Motion to open debate Simple majority — Begin debate on the topic or agenda.
- Motion to set the agenda Simple majority — Choose the order of topics when multiple topics are on the floor.
- Motion to set speaker time Simple majority — Change the default speaking time on the general speakers list.
Format of debate
- Motion for a moderated caucus Simple majority — Timed debate on a given topic with a speaking time; chair calls on speakers.
- Motion for an unmoderated caucus Simple majority — Informal time to talk and form blocs (no formal speakers’ list).
- Motion for a consultation of the whole Simple majority — Untimed and unlimited speeches, yield from delegate to delegate. Set motion time.
Resolutions
- Motion to introduce a draft resolution Simple majority — Bring a resolution to the floor for debate.
Voting
- Motion to close debate Two-thirds — End debate and move into voting procedure.
- Motion to move to voting procedure Two-thirds — End debate and vote on the resolution.
- Motion to vote clause by clause Simple majority — Vote on each clause of the resolution individually in numeric order.
- Motion to divide the question Simple majority — Vote on a set of specifically chosen operative clauses separately from the entire resolution.
Postponing or ending
- Motion to table Two-thirds — Postpone discussion of the current matter.
- Motion to adjourn Two-thirds — End the session.
Other
- Motion to appeal the decision of the chair — Made when a delegate believes the chair has made an incorrect decision. Chair rules; no standard vote
Hierarchy of motions (voting order)
When more than one motion is on the floor, the chair takes votes in this order — most disruptive first (1 = voted on first):
- Motion to adjourn
- Motion to table
- Motion to close debate / Motion to move to voting procedure
- Motion to set speaker time
- Motion for a moderated caucus
- Motion for an unmoderated caucus
- Motion for a consultation of the whole
- Motion to introduce a draft resolution
- Motion to vote clause by clause
- Motion to divide the question
- Motion to open debate
- Motion to set the agenda
Motion to appeal the decision of the chair is not part of this order; the chair rules on it directly. Conferences may use slightly different hierarchies — check your rules of procedure.
✋ Points
Points are formal requests to the chair during debate. Raise your placard and wait to be recognized before speaking.
Must be recognized immediately (at all times) | Recognized after a speech (when chairs open to POIs and POCs)
- Point of Personal Privilege Recognized immediately — Used when a delegate is physically uncomfortable (e.g. temperature too high or low).
- Point of Parliamentary Inquiry Recognized immediately — Used when a delegate is confused about procedures or wants clarity.
- Point of Order Recognized immediately — Used when a delegate feels that the chairs have made a mistake.
- Point of Information (POI) After speech — Used for numerous reasons both positive and negative. Generally used to inquire further about a speech or resolution.
- Point of Clarification (POC) After speech — Used to clarify the meaning of a term or phrase or statistic.
📌 Other procedures
Yielding
Delegates must yield after speaking in formal contexts including consultation of the whole. Delegates can yield to the following:
- Yield to questions (only if there is time) — Used when a delegate is eager to answer questions regarding their speech or resolution.
- Yield to another delegate (only if there is time) — Used when delegates need assistance in explaining a certain thing – for example when a POI or POC targets a clause written by co-submitters that the main submitters cannot answer.
- Yield to chairs (default) — Used by delegates if they determine that they do not want to answer questions or do not have enough time to do so.
Right of reply
Used when a delegate has been explicitly slandered or when untruthful or negative implications of behaviour have been shared about another delegate.
Rules vary by conference. Follow the chair's ruling and the conference's rules of procedure.