Chapter 8, General - Robert's Rules of Order, In Brief

More than half of the votes cast by persons entitled to vote, excluding blanks and abstentions, at a regularly called meeting is called

• Majority vote

• Ballot vote

• Plurality vote

What is a plurality vote?

• Half plus one of the members voting

• The largest number of votes when there are three or more alternatives

• The result of any vote

In which of these circumstances is a two-thirds vote required?

• To close debate or extend limits of debate

• To adopt a main motion

• To refer to a committee

To act on routine matters without putting the motion to a vote is called

• Putting the question

• Point of order

• Unanimous consent

When the phrase, “a majority of the entire membership” is used, what does the phrase “the entire membership” mean?

• All members of the voting body, whether present or not

• All members of the voting body who are presen

• All members of the voting body who are current on dues

When should a member refrain from voting?

• When he has not paid his dues

• When he has a direct personal or monetary interest not common to other members

• When he has proposed an idea and feels passionate about it

Why should the chair appear to be impartial?

• So members will feel confident they will receive fair treatment

• So members will feel confident they elected the right chairman

• So members will feel confident the meeting will start and end on time

What should the chair say to take a standing vote?

• “Everyone in favor, please stand up. (Pause) Everyone opposed, stand up.”

• “All those in favor, rise. (Count) All those opposed, rise. (Count)

• “Those in favor of the motion will rise. (Pause) Be seated. Those opposed will rise. (Pause) Be seated.”

When should a vote, other than a ballot vote, be counted?

• All standing votes should be counted

• When a vote is retaken, it should be counted

• When the chair is uncertain about the results or when the group directs it

If the chair asks for unanimous consent and a member objects, the chair should:

• State the question on the motion and follow the rest of the formal process for handling the motion

• Prompt members for a second

• Rule as if on a point of order