What does to second the motion mean?
Asked by: Eugene Johns | Last update: April 24, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (1 votes)
To "second the motion" means another person agrees the proposed idea (motion) is worthy of discussion, signaling to the group leader that it's not just one person's idea and should be formally debated and potentially voted on, without necessarily agreeing with the motion itself. It's a parliamentary procedure step that prevents wasting time on ideas only one person cares about, allowing for discussion even by those who might disagree.
What does it mean to second a motion?
When a motion is seconded, it indicates to the chairperson that at least two members would like the board to discuss the topic being presented. This process ensures that the board's valuable time is not wasted in discussing matters considered important by only one member.
What does it mean when you say "I second the motion"?
A motion is seconded when a second participant in a meeting agrees that a proposed action or decision should be considered by the assembly. In formal meetings, particularly those governed by parliamentary procedures like Robert's Rules of Order, the act of seconding a motion is a crucial step.
Does seconding mean you agree with the motion?
A person who seconds the motion has neither claim to the motion nor any obligation to agree with the motion. Seconding a motion does not indicate that the member is in support of the motion, only that he or she thinks the idea should be discussed.
What happens after a motion is seconded?
If there is a second, the group debates the amendment, and takes a vote. If it passes, the motion is amended. There are three different ways this motion can pass: If the body had previous notice, which would be usual in a local government body, it takes a majority vote of votes cast to pass.
Understanding "I Second the Motion": A Guide to English Expressions
What to say before I second the motion?
Once you have the floor, state the motion as “I move (state your motion here).” 2. Once the chairperson has heard your motion, any member may second it by saying, “I second the motion,” indicating approval of the motion.
What comes after I second that motion?
A main motion must be moved, seconded and stated by the chair before it can be discussed: “I move that…”. If you want to move, second or speak to a motion, stand and address the chair: “I second the motion”. If you approve the motion as is, vote for it: “Aye”. If you disapprove of the motion, vote against it: “No/nae”.
What comes before seconding a motion?
To make a motion, a member must first be recognized by the chair. After the member has made a motion (and after the motion is seconded if required), the chair must then restate it or rule it out of order, and then calls for discussion. Most motions require a second, although there are a few exceptions.
What happens if a motion isn't seconded?
RONR (12th ed) 4:11 says "A second merely implies that the seconder agrees that the motion should come before the meeting..." If the motion is not seconded then the members have signalled that they do not wish this matter to come before the meeting, and it "dies for lack of a second".
What is the 40 20 40 rule for meetings?
The 40-20-40 meeting rule is a productivity guideline suggesting you spend 40% of your total meeting effort on preparation, 20% on the actual meeting, and the crucial remaining 40% on effective follow-through (actions, analysis, and communication) after the meeting, ensuring decisions turn into results and maximizing meeting ROI. It shifts focus from just the meeting time to the entire lifecycle, emphasizing planning and post-meeting accountability for success.
Can you second a motion without speaking?
Second the motion—silence? If a member makes a motion and no one seconds it, the chair may ask, “Is there a second?” and pause briefly. If no one speaks up, the chair should say, “Hearing no second, the motion will not be considered” and move briskly on to the next item of business.
What's the role of the chair in seconding?
Once a motion is made, the chair asks for a second. A second to the motion indicates that at least one other person agrees with the maker of the motion. o If no one seconds the motion, the chair can note that the motion is appearing to die for lack of a second.
What is a synonym for second the motion?
give support or one's approval to. “I'll second that motion” synonyms: back, endorse, indorse. back, endorse, indorse, plump for, plunk for, support. be behind; approve of.
How do you second a motion in Robert's Rules of order?
Motion: To introduce a new piece of business or propose a decision or action, a motion must be made by a group member ("I move that......") to the chairperson. A second motion must then also be made (raise your hand and say, "I second it.") After limited discussion the group then votes on the motion.
Does anyone second the motion?
A motion requires a second to be considered. If there is no second, the matter is not considered. Each motion must be disposed of (passed, defeated, tabled, referred to committee, or postponed indefinitely).
What are common meeting phrases?
Opening the meeting
- Let's start our session on…
- I'm delighted to welcome everyone.
- I'd like to extend a warm welcome to everyone.
- Thank you for joining us today.
- Let's dive into our agenda.
- I'm grateful for your presence today.
- I'm eager to hear your valuable insights.
- Let's use our collective expertise to…
Why is it necessary to second a motion?
Purpose. The purpose of requiring a second is to prevent time being wasted by the assembly's having to dispose of a motion that only one person wants to see introduced. Hearing a second to a motion is guidance to the chair that they should state the question on the motion, thereby placing it before the assembly.
What to say after someone seconds a motion?
➢ After discussion, ask, “Are we ready for the question?” (to vote on the motion). If yes, state the motion again. ➢ Say, “The motion has been made and seconded.” ➢ “All in favor of the motion, say 'Aye.
Why would a motion be denied?
When a motion is denied, it means the court has rejected the request made in the motion, finding it lacks sufficient merit or legal basis. This decision prevents the requested action or ruling from being implemented in the case.
When to say "I second the motion"?
The Proper Time for a Second
First, a member must be recognized by the Chair. Next, that member has to verbalize the motion by saying, “I move that….” Then, as soon as the motion has been made, another member should say, “I second the motion,” or should simply call out, “Second.”
What are common meeting mistakes?
1. Lack of a Clear Agenda2. Failure to Circulate Materials in Advance3. Poor Time Management During Meetings4. Ineffective Boardroom Dynamics and Engagement5.
Can more than one person second a motion?
1. The member making the motion must obtain the floor (i.e., be recognized by Chair), and state the motion. 2. Unless a chair of a committee consisting of more than one individual is making the motion, another member must second the motion.
What are the 5 types of motions according to Robert's rules?
* All main motions must be seconded, and are adopted by a majority vote unless otherwise noted. * All main motions may be debated unless otherwise noted. Motions are of four five types: privileged, subsidiary, incidental, main and motions that bring a question again before the assembly.
What happens if a motion fails?
In any case, the chair has the group work its way back up to vote on the main motion, whether it is the original or having been somehow modified by the process. Once that either passes of fails, then a new main motion on another item can be brought to the floor.