Rollie Cox Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 The question is "What is the next step if all of the suggestions to fill a blank are not adopted and the main question is left pending with a blank in it?" Is there a way to move forward without completely abandoning the original main question? Thanks for sharing any experiences or thoughts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
George Mervosh Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 (edited) Technically the motion could be adopted without the blank being filled but that's not going to be considered moving forward since the book says: " If by chance the motion is nevertheless adopted, the blank should be filled and the motion completed before any new subject (except a privileged one) is introduced" RONR (p. 167) The proposals to fill the blank can be reconsidered. Tinted pages 10-11, Motion 22. Also, the rules may be suspended to permit the blank to be filled by a plurality vote, then, if it's filled, the main question still needs voted on with a majority vote to adopt it. Perhaps the original motion could be withdrawn with the assembly's consent and presented in a different fashion as well. Others may have more creative options. Edited April 8, 2019 by George Mervosh Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Zev Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 You could perhaps draw lots. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Josh Martin Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, George Mervosh said: Technically the motion could be adopted without the blank being filled but that's not going to be considered moving forward since the book says: " If by chance the motion is nevertheless adopted, the blank should be filled and the motion completed before any new subject (except a privileged one) is introduced" RONR (p. 167) The proposals to fill the blank can be reconsidered. Tinted pages 10-11, Motion 22. Also, the rules may be suspended to permit the blank to be filled by a plurality vote, then, if it's filled, the main question still needs voted on with a majority vote to adopt it. Perhaps the original motion could be withdrawn with the assembly's consent and presented in a different fashion as well. Others may have more creative options. In addition to the above, I would suggest that members could offer additional suggestions to fill the blank. Edited April 8, 2019 by Josh Martin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Elsman Posted April 8, 2019 Report Share Posted April 8, 2019 Making a motion to reopen suggestions is certainly a possibility, but it is not required. When no suggestion receives a majority vote, another round of voting should be undertaken. The procedure is very similar to an election of officers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J. J. Posted April 9, 2019 Report Share Posted April 9, 2019 I think it should be treated like an election, at least if the motion is adopted with a blank; that would include the possibility of reopening suggestions. However, the 11th edition does not say that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Novosielski Posted April 9, 2019 Report Share Posted April 9, 2019 A motion to Postpone Indefinitely would be in order, and would test whether the assembly had any stomach to continue. If such a motion failed, soliciting additional suggestions would probably be advisable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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