How to withdraw a main motion
If you would like to know more about how Parliamentarian Procedure from Little Ben, click here for my DVD called How To Run A Meeting.
The country just experienced what happens when a motion is withdrawn—no vote is taken. When the Republicans pulled the Healthcare bill and did not allow it to go to vote, there was no record of defeat. The motion to withdraw is a very helpful motion in an organization. I have never seen it used in this way to prevent a vote on something that looks like it will be defeated, but it could be used that way. Usually, a motion is withdrawn after some discussion and the maker of the motion realizes that it was not phrased correctly, that it may be causing too much dissension or perhaps this is not the right time to bring up the issue. By requesting that the motion be withdrawn and if accepted by the membership, it is as if the motion was never made. The procedure for withdrawing a motion is the maker of the motion rises, and asks the presiding officer, “I request that the motion be withdrawn.” The presiding officer then asks the assembly, “is there any objection to withdrawing the motion?” If there is no objection, the presiding officer states, “Hearing no objection, the motion is withdrawn.” If someone objects, then the presiding officer takes a voice vote. When the motion is withdrawn the assembly proceeds with the next order of business.