Seconding a Motion

What is the Seconding motion, why is it needed, and how to do it?

Many of the motions, but not all*, require to be seconded by another member to allow the discussion begins and a vote to be taken. If nobody seconds a motion that requires seconding to start the discussion, that Motion will not be discussed and will be killed.

A second merely implies that the seconder agrees that the Motion should come before the meeting and not that he necessarily favors the Motion. A member may second a motion because he would like to see the assembly go on record as rejecting the proposal if he believes a vote on the Motion would have such a result.

If no member seconds the Motion, the Chair must be sure that all have heard it before proceeding to other business. In such a case, the Chair typically asks, "Is there a second to the motion?" In a large hall, he may repeat the Motion before doing so. If there still is no second, the Chair says, "The motion [or "resolution"] is not seconded"; or, "Since there is no second, the motion is not before this meeting." Then he immediately says, "The next item of business is…"; or, if appropriate, "Is there any further business?"

Handling routine motions requires less attention to a "second" requirement. If the Chair is sure that a motion meets with wide approval, but members are slow in seconding it, he can state the question without waiting a second. However, until the debate has begun in such a case-or, if there is no debate, until the Chair begins to take the vote and any member has voted-a point of order can be raised that the Motion has not been seconded; and then the Chair must proceed formally and ask if there is a second. Such a point of order should not be made only for form if it is clear that more than one member wishes to take up the Motion. After debate has begun or, if there is no debate after any member has voted, the lack of a second has become immaterial, and it is too late to make a point of order that the Motion has not been seconded. If a motion is considered and adopted without having been seconded-even in a case where there was no reason for the Chair to overlook this requirement-the absence of a second does not affect the validity of the Motion's adoption.

How a Member Seconds a Motion?

After a motion has been made, another member who wishes it to be considered says, "I second the motion," or, "I second it," or even, "Second!"-without obtaining the floor (does not need to be recognized by the Chair), and in small assemblies without rising. 

*Motions that Do Not Require a Second

Following Motions Are in Order When Another Has the Floor and Do Not Require a Second

Can interrupt a person speaking in debate if urgency requires it.

• Call for a Division of the Assembly (Call for verification of a voting result by an uncounted rising vote)
• Call for a separate vote(s) on one or more of a series of unrelated resolutions that have been offered by a single motion or on one or more of a series of amendments on which the Chair has stated the question in gross
• Call for the Orders of the Day
• Calling a member to order
• Parliamentary Inquiry
• Point of Order
• Raise a Question of Privilege
• Request for Information
• Request to Be Excused from a Duty
• Request For Permission to Withdraw or Modify a Motion, if made by another member
• Request For Permission to Read Papers
• Request For Any Other Privilege              

Motions that are In order when another has been assigned the floor but has not begun to speak and Do Not Require a Second.

• Objection to the Consideration of a Question    

Motions Which Are out of Order When Another Member Has the Floor but Do Not Require a Second

• Call up a motion to Reconsider or
• Call up a motion to Reconsider and Enter on the Minutes
• To make Nominations**
• Proposals for filling blanks**

A motion made by direction of a board or duly appointed a committee of the assembly requires no second from the floor (provided the subordinate group is composed of more than one person) since the motion's introduction has been directed by a majority vote within the board or committee and is therefore desired by at least two assembly members or elected or appointed persons to whose opinion the assembly is presumed to give weight regarding the board's or committee's concerns. (For rules governing the appointment of non-assembly members to committees.)
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