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No opposition to a motion


Guest Steven V. Agraviador

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Is it true that when a motion is placed on the floor and the presiding calls for any opposition and there being none, the motion is automatically approved?

Most motions are debatable, and that debate can extend to support as well as opposition. By calling for opposition only, the chair has effectively denied supporting members their right to debate. There's no rule in RONR that says debate must occur, though. If there is in fact no opposition to the motion, the brief amount of time spent putting the question ("All those in favor say aye" - "AYE" - "all those opposed say no" - (stony silence) - "The ayes have it, the motion is adopted") will leave no doubt and avoid any problems resulting from members claiming there was no vote. At the very least, the chair should say something like "If there is no objection, the motion will be adopted. (pause) There being none, the motion is adopted."

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Most motions are debatable, and that debate can extend to support as well as opposition. By calling for opposition only, the chair has effectively denied supporting members their right to debate. There's no rule in RONR that says debate must occur, though. If there is in fact no opposition to the motion, the brief amount of time spent putting the question ("All those in favor say aye" - "AYE" - "all those opposed say no" - (stony silence) - "The ayes have it, the motion is adopted") will leave no doubt and avoid any problems resulting from members claiming there was no vote. At the very least, the chair should say something like "If there is no objection, the motion will be adopted. (pause) There being none, the motion is adopted."

Maybe the chair isn't up on the proper scripts for suggesting something be adopted by unanimous consent?

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