Parliamentary Procedure Terms A-L

Front

ABSENTEE VOTE

Back

A vote that is cast other than at the specified time or place. Rarely permitted under parliamentary procedure.

Front

ABSTAIN

Back

To publicly refrain from voting.

Front

ADDRESSING THE CHAIR

Back

Using the correct title when seeking recognition from the person who is presiding.

Front

ADJOURN

Back

A privileged motion to officially close a meeting.

Front

ADJOURNED THE MEETING

Back

A meeting which is a continuation of a preceding meeting. A “continued meeting”.

Front

ADJOURN SINE DIE

Back

Meetings may adjourn “sine die,” which means that no date is set for a future meeting. Often used to close conventions.

Front

ADOPT

Back

Pass, accept, or agree to by a vote.

Front

AFFIRMATIVE VOTE

Back

The "yes" vote supporting a stated motion. It is always taken before the negative vote.

Front

AGENDA

Back

The sequence of items for a meeting based on the organization's Order of Business.

Front

ALTERNATE

Back

A member authorized to substitute for another member.