Motion to Call the Question

[Guest Doug Schulze]

A member of the city council introduced a motion to Call the Question and it created chaos because the member speaking did not like being cut off. First, does a motion to call the question end debate immediately? Second, can a member of the voting board interrupt another member to make said motion? Appreciate input.

[Joshua Katz]

On 10/20/2023 at 6:00 PM, Guest Doug Schulze said:

First, does a motion to call the question end debate immediately?

Only if adopted. Just making it does not end debate.

On 10/20/2023 at 6:00 PM, Guest Doug Schulze said:

Second, can a member of the voting board interrupt another member to make said motion?

No. A member must be recognized by the chair and have the floor before making the motion.

On 10/20/2023 at 6:00 PM, Guest Doug Schulze said:

the member speaking did not like being cut off.

Neither would I. The chair should have called the member to order.

[Gary Novosielski]

On 10/20/2023 at 6:00 PM, Guest Doug Schulze said:

A member of the city council introduced a motion to Call the Question and it created chaos because the member speaking did not like being cut off. First, does a motion to call the question end debate immediately? Second, can a member of the voting board interrupt another member to make said motion? Appreciate input.

The motion for the Previous Questions, as it is properly called, does not end debate immediately.  Yes, It is a motion to end debate, but it must be approved by at least a two-thirds vote, for the very reason that people do not like being cut off.

And it absolutely cannot interrupt a member who has the floor.  It can only be made by someone who has sought and gained recognition.

This motion is, unfortunately, one about which a great number of people are seriously misinformed. That member of your city council is apparently one of them.