Legal Definitions - call the question

Calling the question is a procedural motion used in formal meetings or deliberative assemblies (such as legislative bodies, committees, or boards) to end the current debate on a motion and immediately proceed to a vote on that motion. It is a mechanism to move from discussion to decision when members believe that sufficient deliberation has occurred.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Community Council Meeting

  Imagine a local community council meeting where members are debating a proposal to install new streetlights in a particular neighborhood. The discussion has been ongoing for over an hour, with several council members expressing their views, concerns, and potential amendments. Feeling that all relevant points have been thoroughly discussed and that the debate is becoming repetitive, Council Member A states, "I move to call the question."

  Explanation: By "calling the question," Council Member A is formally proposing to end the current debate on the streetlight proposal. If a majority of the council members agree to this motion, the council will immediately stop discussing the streetlights and proceed to a vote on whether to approve their installation.

• Example 2: Corporate Board of Directors Meeting

  During a quarterly meeting, a company's Board of Directors is discussing a significant investment in a new technology venture. Financial reports have been presented, and various directors have voiced their support or skepticism, asking detailed questions of the executive team. After a lengthy and robust exchange, the Chair of the Board senses that the discussion has run its course and asks if anyone wishes to move to a vote. Director B then formally says, "I call the question on the investment proposal."

  Explanation: Director B's action is a formal request to cease further debate on the proposed technology investment. If the motion to call the question is seconded and passes, the board will then immediately vote on whether to approve the investment, without any more discussion or arguments being presented.

• Example 3: Non-Profit Organization's Annual General Meeting

  At the annual general meeting of a large environmental non-profit, members are debating a proposed amendment to their organizational bylaws that would change the criteria for board membership. The debate has been passionate, with different factions presenting arguments for and against the change. After nearly an hour of back-and-forth, a member stands up and declares, "I believe we've heard all sides of this issue. I call the question."

  Explanation: This member's statement is a parliamentary maneuver to end the ongoing discussion about the bylaw amendment. If the motion to "call the question" is approved by the assembly, all further debate on the bylaw amendment will stop, and the members will immediately vote on whether to adopt the proposed change.