Nancy Sylvester, MA, PRP, CPP-T
Professional Registered Parliamentarian 4826 River Bluff Court
Certified Professional Parliamentarian Loves Park, IL 61111
Professional Speaker/Trainer/Mentor Business & Fax: 815.877.5290
Home: 815.877.2666
nancysylvester.com nancy@nancysylvester.com
Script of a Main Motion
Ever wonder how in the world presiding officers remember every step in the motion
making process? While it's certainly the case that many presiding officers have a
complete understanding of parliamentary procedure and know exactly what to say in
almost every circumstance, a lot of presiding officers rely on what some might call
"cheat sheets" but in the parliamentary world are called "scripts." That's right – they
read from a prepared document which tells them exactly what they need to say and do
for any particular motion. Here is a script of what you should say in processing a main
motion. It is meant to make you more comfortable in a meeting. Take it to meetings with
you that you chair so you are prepared to say it correctly!
Script: Main Motion
Member: I move that . . .
Chair: Is there a second to the motion? [This statement is eliminated if a member calls
out "second" or if the motion is made on behalf of a committee.]
Second member: I second the motion.
Chair: It is moved and seconded that [state the motion]. Is there any discussion? [Since
the maker of the motion has first right to speak on the motion, the chair should call on
the maker of the motion first.]
[It is during this time that a motion is considered pending and secondary motions may
be applied to it.]
[After discussion] Is there any further discussion? Are you ready for the question?
[Pause] The question is on the adoption of the motion to [clearly restate the motion].
Voice vote:
Those in favor, say aye. [Pause for response]
Those opposed, say no. [If the chair is in doubt of the results of a voice vote, the chair
should state "The chair is in doubt, therefore a rising (or counted) vote will be taken."
Then proceed with a rising or counted vote.]
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Script of a Main Motion
Show of hands vote:
Those in favor of the motion, please raise your hand. [Pause] Please lower your hand.
Those opposed to the motion, please raise your hand. [Pause] Please lower your hand.
Rising vote:
Those in favor of the motion, please stand. [Pause] Please be seated. Those opposed
to the motion, please stand. [Pause] Please be seated.
Ballot vote:
Please mark your ballots clearly, fold them one time, and hand them directly to a teller.
Roll call vote:
The clerk will now call the roll.
Chair: [Announces the voting results]
Uncounted voice, rising, or show of hands vote:
The affirmative has it, the motion is adopted, we will [state the effect of the vote] and the
next business in order is . . .
or
The negative has it, the motion is lost and [state the effect of the vote]and the next
business in order is . . .
Counted majority vote:
There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is a
majority in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. We will [state the effect of the vote]
and the next business in order is . . .
or
There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is less
than a majority in the affirmative and the motion is lost [state the effect of the vote] and
the next business in order is . . .
Counted two-thirds vote:
There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is a
two-thirds vote in the affirmative and the motion is adopted. We will [state the effect of
the vote] and the next business in order is . . .
or
© Nancy Sylvester, All Rights Reserved nancy@nancysylvester.com
4826 River Bluff Court ● Loves Park, IL 61111 www.nancysylvester.com
Business & Fax: 815.877.5290 ● Home: 815.877.2666
Page 3 of 3
Script of a Main Motion
There are _____ votes in the affirmative and _____ votes in the negative. There is less
than a two-thirds vote in the affirmative and the motion is lost [state the effect of the
vote] and the next business in order is . . .
________________________________________________________________
Rules for a Main Motion:
Needs a second
Is debatable
Is amendable
Needs a majority vote
© Nancy Sylvester, All Rights Reserved nancy@nancysylvester.com
4826 River Bluff Court ● Loves Park, IL 61111 www.nancysylvester.com
Business & Fax: 815.877.5290 ● Home: 815.877.2666
