Motion to Limit/Extend Debate

This motion would be heard after a caucus has elapsed, but delegates feel there is still more to be discussed on the topic. Rather than motioning for a new caucus, delegates can motion for an extension of the last caucus to continue debate in a timely manner. This motion would be considered more disruptive than any motions for new types of caucuses and can help ensure that all relevant debate is heard on a given topic before moving on to something else. An extension can only be half of the allotted time for the original motion (An extension of a 10 minute unmoderated caucus would have to be 5 minutes or less). 

Motions to Limit Debate would have the opposite effect. If delegates feel as though they need to move on before the current caucus has elapsed/expired then they may motion to limit the current caucus. 

Motion to Limit/Change Speaking Time

This motion is used to increase or decrease the length of speeches or the total time of debate. It  will typically be heard before any motion goes into effect in order to edit it. This can also be used once delegates are already carrying out a motion. Usually, delegates will simply ask if another delegate is amenable to changing their motion. 

Motion to Close Debate (Previous Question)

This motion, when enacted, immediately ceases debate and moves the committee to a vote on the main question. This motion is typically seen in MUN when debate surrounding a clause on a directive has been going on for a long period of time (whether that be an amendment or a divided question) and members of committee wish to see a vote on the matter immediately. 

Motion for a Division of the Question

(Divide the Question)

This motion can be made during voting procedure but always before a substantive vote on a resolution/directive. This motion is used to divide a paper into different sections and requires four separate votes: 1.) to approve the motion by simple majority, 2.) a procedural vote on each of the proposed divisions to approve whether the question shall be divided, 3.) a substantive vote on each of the divided sections to determine what shall be a part of the newly constructed paper, 4.) a substantive vote on the constructed paper in its entirety with the divisions included. 

Dividing the question allows for contentious sections of a resolution/directive to be voted on separately so that the majority of a paper may go into effect without requiring an entirely new voting procedure.

Motion to Appeal the Decision of the Chair

This motion is used when a delegate believes the Chair has made a mistake that cannot be corrected with a Point of Order. For instance, if a Chair rules a motion dillitory, delegates who strongly feel the original motion is worthwhile may motion to appeal the decision of the chair and put the decision to a vote. Please note that even if there is a successful vote to appeal the Chair’s decision, the ultimate decision still lies with the MSUMUN Chair and they may still overrule your efforts. This can still be a highly effective way to show chairs that certain aspects of debate are important to you and your peers and can persuade them to find a motion in order.

If you, or anyone in your delegation or committee, ever feels they are being treated unfairly by a Chair, please do not hesitate to tell any member of Secretariat.

Motion for a Roll Call Vote

A roll call vote is something to motion for when entering voting procedure or once already in voting procedure and would require the dais to call upon every single delegate in the committee to gather a verbal confirmation of the votes (as opposed to simply raising placards and counting). Unlike many other motions, a roll call vote can be immediately accepted or negated by the chair but the dias may wish to see a vote in order to understand the voting body’s consensus about the motion.

In a roll call vote, delegates are given six options for how they would like to vote:

1. Yes: a vote in the affirmative

2. No: a vote in the negation

3. Yes, with rights: a vote in the affirmative in which the delegate may explain their reasoning. A delegate may only claim rights if they are voting against national policy or if they are voting opposite their previously declared position. 

4. No, with rights: a vote in the negation in which the delegate may explain their reasoning. A delegate may only claim rights if they are voting against national policy or if they are voting opposite their previously declared position. 

5. Abstain: Neither a vote in affirmation or negation. An abstain lowers the total vote count, thereby reducing the number of affirmations or negations needed to pass or sink a resolution/directive. 

6. Pass: the chair will move past your vote and proceed to call on all the other delegates. After hearing votes from the remaining delegates, the chair will return to you to hear your vote. If you use a pass, you are unable to abstain and must vote yes or no. 

Motion to Table Debate

This is used to table and end debate on a topic that has not reached a clear resolution. It is primarily used if new information is introduced to committee that must be dealt with immediately or must be settled before the current debate continues.

Motion to Take From Table

Reverses the effects of a motion to table debate. This motion would reintroduce a topic that has been previously tabled, back into the committee to be debated by delegates.

Motion to Question Competence 

This motion is used when a delegate believes the committee (or committee members) do not have the competence to debate the issue at hand. This could be used, for example, if the World Health Organization was attempting to debate a resolution about the effectiveness of nuclear power. This motion should not be used to insult fellow delegate’s intelligence by challenging their general competency.

Motion for Reconsideration

This post-vote motion can be used to re-vote on a failed resolution or directive. This motion can only be made by a delegate who voted “No” on the passage of the resolution or directive. It can also only be used on papers that have failed in order to attempt to pass them, not to try and fail a paper that has already passed.