Questions & Answers

Real questions people have asked our AI Parliamentarian, lightly edited and anonymized. Have your own? Ask it here.

Does a budget modification motion require a second if made by an officer or committee

Asked September 2026

If a budget modification comes from an officer versus a committee, does it require a second?

What decision-making tools does a committee have beyond yes/no motions

Asked August 2026

How can I make decisions about things my committee has been tasked with that aren't simple yes/no motions?

Can a ruled-invalid motion be reconsidered after an improper adjournment

Asked September 2026

At a meeting, a motion was ruled invalid by the chair, procedure was suspended, and the meeting was abruptly adjourned with no discussion or vote. Can the motion be reconsidered at...

What to do when no candidate wins a majority in an election

Asked September 2026

What do you do in case of a runoff during elections?

How to oppose a motion to lay on the table under Robert's Rules

Asked September 2026

What happens when a member objects to a motion to lay on the table?

Can debate happen after a motion to lay on the table is made

Asked September 2026

A motion to table has been made, and we know it can't be debated. Do we have to vote immediately, or can someone object in order to have discussion?

How long does a board vacancy appointment last and how to fill it

Asked September 2026

A board member recently retired and resigned from the board prior to the expiration of her term. We have found a replacement. Does the replacement fill the vacancy until the next a...

Should resignation letters addressed to the president be included in correspondence

Asked September 2026

Should resignation letters addressed to the president be included in correspondence?

Who presides when both the president and vice president are absent

Asked September 2026

If the vice president is absent, who takes her place as presiding officer?

Can a member vote on a motion to censure themselves

Asked September 2026

If the assembly is voting to censure a member, can that member vote?

How to address the chair under Robert's Rules

Asked September 2026

How do you properly refer to or address the chair during a meeting?

How is a vote decided when half the members abstain

Asked September 2026

Six members are voting. Three vote yes and three abstain. How is the vote ruled?

How to open formal reprimand or censure proceedings under Robert's Rules

Asked September 2026

How does procedure open for a formal reprimand?

How does a committee end and normal procedure resume

Asked September 2026

How does a committee end and normal procedure resume after it finishes its work?

Can a member interrupt a speaker under Robert's Rules

Asked September 2026

Is it ever allowed to interrupt a speaker who has the floor?

How to adopt a flexible agenda under Robert's Rules

Asked September 2026

What is the best way to adopt an agenda with built-in flexibility so items can be reordered or added during the meeting?

Can general membership meeting minutes be approved at the annual meeting one month later

Asked September 2026

Our club holds a General Membership meeting one month and then an Annual Membership Meeting the following month, where voting occurs on items the membership must approve. The Gener...

How to move into committee of the whole during a meeting

Asked September 2026

How do you move into a committee of the whole during a meeting?

How to excuse or dismiss members or guests during a meeting

Asked September 2026

How do you dismiss members of a meeting when they are no longer needed for the current meeting?

Can the chair make a motion to go into committee of the whole

Asked September 2026

How would the chair make a motion for a committee of the whole?