How do you call the question to end debate on a motion?

Short answer

You get recognized by the chair and say, "I move the previous question." ("Previous question" is the formal name for calling the question.) It needs a second. Then the group votes on it right away, with no debate, and it takes a two-thirds vote to end debate (RONR §16).

What to do

1. Wait until no one else is speaking. You can't interrupt a speaker to call the question.
2. Get the floor. Raise your hand or stand, and wait for the chair to call on you (RONR §42). Shouting "Question!" from your seat does not count.
3. Make the motion. Say, "I move the previous question." If an amendment is pending, say which motion you mean, such as "on the amendment" or "on all pending questions."
4. Another member seconds it.
5. The chair calls the vote at once. There is no debate on whether to stop debating.
6. If two-thirds vote yes, debate ends and the group votes right away on the motion itself.
7. If it fails, debate simply goes on.

A simpler path: if talk seems to be over, the chair can ask, "Is there any further debate?" If no one speaks up, the chair just puts the question to a vote. The chair can also ask whether anyone objects to ending debate. If no one objects, that is unanimous (general) consent and no formal vote is needed (RONR §4).

What the chair says

After the motion is made and seconded:

The previous question is moved on the motion to [state the motion]. This requires a two-thirds vote and is not debatable. Those in favor of ordering the previous question, please rise. Be seated. Those opposed, please rise. Be seated.

If it passes:

There are two-thirds in the affirmative, and the previous question is ordered. The question is now on the motion to [state the motion]. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no.

If it fails:

There are less than two-thirds in the affirmative, and the motion for the previous question is lost. Is there further debate?

A rising or counted vote is best, so everyone can see whether two-thirds was reached.

The motion

• Needs a second? Yes.
• Debatable? No.
• Amendable? No.
• Vote needed? Two-thirds of the votes cast (RONR §16, §44).
• Can it interrupt a speaker? No.

Common mistakes

• Treating one shout as the end of debate. When a member calls out "Question!" the chair should not stop debate on that alone. Calling the question is a motion. It needs the floor, a second, and a two-thirds vote. Members who still want to speak keep that right until the vote passes.
• Using a majority vote. Ending debate cuts off members' right to speak. That is why it takes two-thirds, not a simple majority.
• Forgetting the second vote. Passing the previous question only ends debate. The group must still vote on the motion itself.

If you just want to shorten debate, not end it, you can move to limit debate instead, such as two minutes per speaker. That also takes two-thirds (RONR §15). In small boards of about a dozen or fewer members, Robert's Rules generally does not allow motions to close or limit debate (RONR §49).

When your own rules say otherwise

Your bylaws, special rules of order, or standing rules can change these steps (RONR §2). Look for any rule on debate limits, time limits for speakers, or how debate may be closed. City councils, school boards, and other public bodies may also follow a charter, local rules of procedure, or state open-meetings law. Some of these set their own vote for ending debate or give the public a set time to speak. Where those rules conflict with Robert's Rules, they usually win.