Parli Pro

Abeyance

Temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension to withhold action

Absentee Voting

Voting by mail or by proxy for a member who is absent

Absolute majority

A majority vote of a entire organization’s entire membership at a meeting

Abstain

To publicly refrain from voting because of a conflict of interest

Absurd motion

A dilatory or frivolous motion used to delay action

Accept

To approve or adopt a statement report or motion

Acclamation

Enthusiastic approval by a voice note

Accredit

To certify as genuine, to authorize or sanction

Addressing the chair

Using the correct title (Mr. or Madam chairman or President) when seeking recognition from the person who is presiding

adhere

to be attached to and dependent on. An example would be a pending amendment that is adhered to the motion to which it is applied

adjourn

a privileged motion to officially close the meeting or session.

Adjourned meeting

a meeting that is a continuation of a preceding meeting, sometimes called a ‘continued meeting’ that takes place at a later time to complete unfinished business.

adopt

pass, accept, or agree to by a vote

affirmative vote

a vote in favor of a motion or proposal, indicating support for its passage. Taken before the negative vote

agenda

the sequence of items for a meeting based on the organization’s order of business

alternate

a member authorized to substitute another member

amendable

a motion that may be ammended