Page:Felt’s Parliamentary Procedure Upload 2.pdf/36

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32
Seconding a Motion.
§ 26

from seconding a motion, and also where a record is kept of those who second as well as of as of those who make motions, it enable the secretary to see who seconds the motion.

26. In many assemblies too much importance is placed on the formality of seconding motions. This is contrary to the principle that every member has a right introduce any proper business and gave it acted upon by the assembly. Furthermore, if the presiding officer is a member of the assembly, he has a right to second it, and if the motion is put without a second he is understood to second it. If, however, a formal second is insisted upon, the chair may inquire if the motion is seconded before stating it to the assembly, but it is not his duty to inquire if the motion is seconded. However, if a second is insisted upon, the motion is not before the assembly for consideration or debate until it has been seconded and stated to the assembly by the presiding officer. Until that time in relation to it, or debate it, or to ask the floor for