Parliamentary: Motions and Voting

Motions and voting are the tools by which a PTA can conduct its business appropriately and transparently.

A motion is a formal declaration to decide something, and voting determines whether or not the voting body will proceed. The action being recorded in the minutes makes the business item and the vote taken to authorize it legal record.

The long and short of it? If PTA is going to do something, it must be moved, voted on, and recorded in the minutes.

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Any eligible member of the voting body may make motions and vote!

Parliamentary Tip: The chair (usually the president) has a "duty of impartiality," meaning that the chairperson guides the business like the rudder of a ship, but does not make motions or weigh in to influence the vote in most situations. However, the chair may invite a motion to the floor, and may also vote by ballot.

8 Steps to Making a Motion

Member stands and waits to be recognized.
Chairman recognizes the member.
The chairman is whomever is running the meeting, usually the president.
The member presents the motion by stating, “I move…”
(The secretary records the exact wording of the motion once there is a second. Download motion slip templates for the secretary by clicking here.)
Another member seconds the motion.
This shows that more than one person is interested in bringing the business before the group for discussion. If there is no second, there is no motion and nothing is recorded in the minutes.
The chairman restates the motion.
This ensures all members understand what is to be discussed.
Discussion is held on the motion.
During discussion, all members participate fully, but not until they have been recognized by the chairman.
The chairman puts the motion to a vote by stating, “All those in favor say ‘aye.'” (Pause for vote) “Those opposed say ‘no.’
The chairman announces the result of the vote to assure all members know whether the motion was adopted or defeated.

Click Here to Download the 23rd District "Parliamentary Procedures" Helper Guide!

Types of Motions

Motions "How-To"

If I want to...

Change my motion?

Then I need to...

Look at items 1-4 on the parliamentary motion chart! Each motion must be considered as an open action item while it is being discussed, so you will move to amend the motion, handle that motion, and then move back to the main motion.

If I want to...

Want to change the motion on the floor to something else?

Then I need to...

Look at item 6 on the parliamentary motion chart!

.If I want to...

Change or revisit something that has already been adopted?

Then I need to....

Look at items 7 and 16 on the parliamentary motion chart! It's important to note that there are conditions that must be met to consider motions that have already been passed (such as new information to consider). It's best to also look in Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised (current version) to ensure this one is being handled properly!

If I want to...

Ask that the vote be verified? Or verify a point of procedure? Or

Then I need to....

Look at Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised (Current Edition) and consult the Parliamentary motion chart!

Check out more information on Motions and Voting with California State PTA!