A client told me the story of a large convention of a political party in turmoil. A contentious resolution was on the agenda. A delegate moved that the resolution be adopted and another delegate seconded it. The Chair invited the mover to speak, and he promptly said: "I call the question." The Chair immediately closed debate and took a vote on the motion, despite the fact that several delegates were lining up to speak at various microphones.

Was the Chair correct in closing debate at the request of just one individual, thereby depriving others of the right to speak? The sensible answer is no. But many people still think that when someone calls the question, debate must end and an immediate vote must be taken on the pending motion. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Under Parliamentary Procedure, the decision to close debate on a motion is made by the group, collectively, and not unilaterally by the Chair nor by one member calling the question. With this principle in mind, what happened in the above convention was that many delegates were robbed of their right to debate, without due process.

The decision to close debate can be made without a motion, by unanimous consent. The Chair can ask: “Is there any further discussion?” then pause, and if no one wishes to speak, say: “There being no further discussion, we will proceed to the vote. The motion reads as follows: _______. Those in favor of this motion raise your hands. Thank you. Those opposed raise your hands. Thank you. The motion is adopted (or defeated).” The group can make the decision to close debate by acquiescence and without a motion to this effect. The Chair does not have to wait for someone to call the question in this case, since no one appears to want to continue the debate.

On the other hand, if there are objections to closing debate, the decision can be made by a formal vote. Books on rules of order refer to The Previous Question, which is a motion to close debate. This motion requires a second, is not debatable, and, under several books, requires a two-thirds vote. The reason for the high vote requirement is that the right to debate is very significant and a simple majority is not enough to interfere with it. If the motion to close debate is introduced, the Chair says: “It is moved and seconded that debate be closed. Those in favor of closing debate raise your hands. Thank you. Those opposed, etc.” If the motion to close debate is adopted, the Chair immediately puts the main motion to a vote. If not, debate on the main motion continues.

What should you do if the Chair closes debate without the proper authority? You can raise a point of order about the violation: “Mr. President. I have a point of order. Closing debate requires a collective decision of the members, and it is not enough to have one member calling the question.”