Debate and vote on a motion

[Guest Bill]

Can the maker of a motion then speak against it and then vote against it if he reserves the right to do so?

[Chris Harrison]

While the motion maker cannot speak against the motion he can vote against it (RONR p. 393 ll. 19-26).

[George Mervosh]

Just now, Guest Bill said:

Can the maker of a motion then speak against it and then vote against it if he reserves the right to do so?

The maker may vote against but he may not speak against his own motion.  

"REFRAINING FROM SPEAKING AGAINST ONE'S OWN MOTION. In debate, the maker of a motion, while he can vote against it, is not allowed to speak against his own motion. He need not speak at all, but if he does he is obliged to take a favorable position. If he changes his mind while the motion he made is pending, he can, in effect, advise the assembly of this by asking permission to withdraw the motion (pp. 295–97). "  RONR (11th ed.), p. 393

[Richard Brown]

35 minutes ago, Guest Bill said:

Can the maker of a motion then speak against it and then vote against it if he reserves the right to do so?

I agree with the previous responses.  If the maker of a motion decides that it is a bad motion and should not be adopted, he may ask permission to withdraw the motion.  This can be handled as a unanimous consent request if no one objects.  If a member does object, then a majority vote is required in order for the motion to be withdrawn.

Edited to add:  I just realized the option to ask permission to withdraw the motion is mentioned in the quote from RONR that Mr. Mervosh quoted.

Edited May 10, 2019 at 09:21 PM by Richard Brown
Added last paragraph