What is a Motion Seconded?
A motion is seconded when a second participant in a meeting agrees that a proposed action or decision should be considered by the assembly. In formal meetings, particularly those governed by parliamentary procedures like Robert’s Rules of Order, the act of seconding a motion is a crucial step. It also signifies that at least one other person believes the motion is worth discussion. Without a second, a motion typically cannot proceed to debate or voting, as it is assumed there is insufficient interest in the topic.
“I second the motion” meaning
When seconding a motion, the most common phrase used is simply “I second the motion.” However, it can be phrased in a few different ways, depending on the formality of the meeting or the preferences of the participants. Some alternatives include:
- “I second it.”
- “I support the motion.”
- “Seconded.”
In more formal settings, the traditional phrase is often preferred, while informal or smaller meetings might accept simpler expressions of support.
The importance of saying “I second the motion” lies in its role as a procedural safeguard. This practice prevents the assembly from spending time on proposals that have little or no support. Requiring at least one additional member to back a motion ensures that the meeting’s time is used efficiently on matters of actual relevance or concern to the group.
How to Second a Motion in a Meeting
The act of seconding can be done verbally during the meeting, wherein you simply need to state, “I second the motion”, or any of its accepted variants. In larger assemblies or more formal meetings, this can also be done by raising your hand or standing up, especially if recognition is required by the chair before speaking.
Timing is key: the second must be made before the chair officially opens the floor for debate or moves on to other businesses. If no one seconds the motion, the chair will declare that the motion fails for lack of a second and will not be discussed further unless the meeting rules allow for reconsideration.
What are the exceptions to seconding?
While seconding is a critical procedural step in most formal meetings, there are exceptions where a second is not required. These include:
- Motions made by a committee — If a motion comes from a committee, it does not require a second. This is because committees are typically smaller groups that have already discussed the issue, and their collective recommendation is considered sufficient to warrant discussion.
- Consensus meetings — In consensus-based meetings, motions may not need a second because the group is working toward unanimous or broad agreement on every decision. The need for formality is reduced, and seconding may be bypassed in favor of consensus or informal procedures.
- Certain types of motions — Certain procedural or privileged motions, such as points of order, requests for information, or motions to adjourn, often do not require a second. These motions are generally related to the functioning of the meeting itself, and there is typically no need to second them for debate.
- Reconsideration of a vote — In some cases, if a member who voted on the prevailing side of a decision makes a motion to reconsider, it may not need a second (depending on the rules governing the meeting).