Amend Main Motion, While Voting is Happening.

[Unrealz]

Just a general question for anyone.... Can a main motion be amended while the vote is currently in progress by a show of hands - and that the yes vote has already been voted on? 

Thanks

[Richard Brown]

No, not according to RONR.  No interruption is permitted once voting has begun.  However, after the vote is completed, a member who voted on the prevailing side can move to reconsider the motion.  If the assembly agrees to reconsider the motion by a majority vote, the original motion is back before the assembly and can then be amended and re-adopted.

Edited to add:  You can also use the motion "Rescind or Amend Something Previously Adopted" to fix a problem with the original motion.  To do it at the same meeting at which the original motion was adopted, or at any meeting without previous notice, the motion requires a two thirds vote or the vote of a majority of the entire membership.  If previous notice of the motion is given at the previous meeting or in the call of the meeting, it can be adopted with a majority vote.

Edited January 12, 2017 at 12:22 AM by Richard Brown
Added last paragraph

[Deb Parm]

We have a similar situation.  The vote has already begun (electronically) but two members feel the wording of the motion is not clear.  I feel the wording is very clear, but their questions have basically halted this vote.  I can let them know that the voting can not be stopped.  However, then what?

If this vote passes, I can see that we would use "Amend Something Previously Adopted" to clarify the motion.  What would be used if the vote is lost?  As I understand it, a motion is improper if it is practically the same as one previously decided.

Edited February 25, 2018 at 11:46 PM by Deb Parm

[jstackpo]

You use of "electronically" changes things.  RONR's "no interruptions" rule applies to in-meeting votes.. Electronic, presumably absentee, voting has to be authorized in the bylaws, accompanied by appropriate rules. 

[Richard Brown]

2 hours ago, Deb Parm said:

We have a similar situation.  The vote has already begun (electronically) but two members feel the wording of the motion is not clear.  I feel the wording is very clear, but their questions have basically halted this vote.  I can let them know that the voting can not be stopped.  However, then what?   (Emphasis added)

If this vote passes, I can see that we would use "Amend Something Previously Adopted" to clarify the motion.  What would be used if the vote is lost?  As I understand it, a motion is improper if it is practically the same as one previously decided.

 

4 minutes ago, jstackpo said:

You use of "electronically" changes things.  RONR's "no interruptions" rule applies to in-meeting votes.. Electronic, presumably absentee, voting has to be authorized in the bylaws, accompanied by appropriate rules. 

I agree with Dr. Stackpole.  Once your introduce electronic voting, you are essentially on your own and must promulgate your own rules for dealing with all the problems surrounding it. 

[Josh Martin]

16 hours ago, Deb Parm said:

As I understand it, a motion is improper if it is practically the same as one previously decided.

Well, specifically, the rule is that a motion is improper if it is practically the same as one previously decided within the same session. A member is free to renew the motion at a later session. In most societies, a session is generally a single meeting.

How these rules apply in this context is not clear.

Edited February 26, 2018 at 02:59 PM by Josh Martin