The Process of Amending an Amendment FIRST VOTE ON The amendment to the amendment (the secondary amendment). NEXT VOTE ON The original amendment (the primary amendment). FINALLY VOTE ON

An amendment may also be amended. The first amendment is called a primary amendment and the amendment to the amendment is called a secondary amendment. Only two amendments may be pending at any one time. In other words, an amendment to an amendment to an amendment is not in order; otherwise, the group would become hopelessly confused.

Parliamentary Rules of Previous Question

As many as are in favor will please rise. Thank you. Those opposed will please rise. Thank you. There being two-thirds in favor, we will vote on the motion to construct a playground in the southeast corner of the community park.”

The main motion (which may or may not have been amended).

“Our parliamentary authority, Robert’s Rules of Order, states that when a motion is made to amend by substitution, we first go back to the original motion and allow the friends of it to further amend it. Next we take the substitute and open it up for discussion and amendment. The last step is the vote on whether you wish to substitute or not.”

friendly amendment may be defined as a change in the wording that enhances and strengthens the original motion. When such a change is proposed and no one objects, the amendment may be adopted by general consent.

“The previous question has been moved. This is a motion to stop debate and vote immediately.

A member can vote against his own motion, but cannot speak against it.