Amending a Motion

A confusing part of any condominium meeting arises if, during discussion of a motion that has been properly moved and seconded, an amendment to the main motion is proposed. What should happen next?

The steps are as follows:

1. Someone (not the person who moved or seconded the main motion) must make a motion to amend the main motion, and set out what the amendment should be. This amendment must then be seconded (again not by a person who moved or seconded the main motion);
2. The amendment must then be discussed and voted on. [In general, for an amendment to pass, this requires the same level of voting approval as is required for the main motion.];
3. If the amendment is passed, it then becomes part of the main motion;
4. Further discussion, if any, continues on the main motion;
5. The main motion is then voted upon.

One other idea that can sometimes shorten the amendment procedure is as follows: If the mover and seconder of the main motion both agree to accept a proposed amendment, then the amendment can be immediately incorporated into the main motion. The main motion (including the amendment) can then proceed in the usual way.