Is it possible to make a motion without a debate, often described as an "up or down vote" or a "closed vote"?

[Katy]

We have a large assembly, and someone has suggested that for our particular motion we should ask for an "up or down vote" or a "closed vote," meaning no debate will be allowed. Is there some formula in RONR that would allow this? I don't know of any.

[Joshua Katz]

You could make the motion and then immediately move the previous question. That will require a 2/3 vote to adopt. You could create a special rule of order, but that will also take a 2/3 vote. Ultimately, if people want to debate a debatable question, you can't stop them.

[Katy]

Agreed. The 2/3 vote is a high bar, and if not attained, a long series of endless proposals and suggestions could, in some cases, make the meeting very cumbersome and probably confusing. But in the end, I think I agree that all motions should be debated. Thanks.

[Josh Martin]

On 8/19/2023 at 10:32 AM, Katy said:

We have a large assembly, and someone has suggested that for our particular motion we should ask for an "up or down vote" or a "closed vote," meaning no debate will be allowed. Is there some formula in RONR that would allow this? I don't know of any.

There are several mechanisms in RONR to achieve this, but all of them will require a 2/3 vote.

In addition to the suggestions by Mr. Katz, a motion to Suspend the Rules may be offered to adopt a resolution without debate or amendment. But this will also require a 2/3 vote.

"In making the incidental motion to Suspend the Rules, the particular rule or rules to be suspended are not mentioned; but the motion must state its specific purpose, and its adoption permits nothing else to be done under the suspension. Such a motion, for instance, may be “to suspend the rules and take up the report of the Building Committee,” or “to suspend the rules and agree to [that is, to adopt without debate or amendment] the resolution…”" RONR (12th ed.) 25:4

All of these options require a 2/3 vote because of this general principle:

"Ultimately, it is the majority taking part in the assembly who decide the general will, but only following upon the opportunity for a deliberative process of full and free discussion. Only two thirds or more of those present and voting may deny a minority or any member the right of such discussion." RONR (12th ed.) pg. xlix

[Katy]

Thank you. Agreed.

[Rob Elsman]

It is also possible to adopt a preliminary main motion (by a two-thirds vote) to accomplish what you want.  An "up or down vote" usually means that debate and amendments are shut off.

[Gary Novosielski]

On 8/19/2023 at 11:32 AM, Katy said:

We have a large assembly, and someone has suggested that for our particular motion we should ask for an "up or down vote" or a "closed vote," meaning no debate will be allowed. Is there some formula in RONR that would allow this? I don't know of any.

Yes.

25:18
When the object is to adopt a motion without debate or amendment, the form is:

MEMBER A (obtaining the floor): I move to suspend the rules and adopt [or “agree to”] the following resolution:  “Resolved, That…”
(Second.)

The motion requires a second, and a two-thirds vote.  There is no proper way to cut off debate by less than a two-thirds vote.