Can the chair of a meeting make motions or vote?

Short answer

In most meetings, the chair (the person running the meeting) should not make motions. The chair keeps the right to vote but uses it only when the vote is by secret ballot or when the chair's vote would change the result. In a small board of about a dozen members or fewer, the chair may make motions, speak in debate, and vote like everyone else (RONR §49).

What to do

1. Know what kind of meeting you're running. A large group, such as a membership meeting or a big council, follows the stricter rule. A small board can use relaxed rules (RONR §49).
2. In a larger group, let a member make the motion. If you want something brought up, ask whether someone would like to move it. Staying neutral is part of the chair's job (RONR §47).
3. If you need to debate, step aside first. Hand the gavel to the vice-chair or another member. Don't take it back until that motion is fully decided (RONR §43).
4. Vote by ballot like everyone else. On a secret ballot, the chair marks a ballot at the same time as the members (RONR §44, §45).
5. On other votes, vote only when it matters. The chair may vote to break a tie, to create a tie (which defeats the motion), or to reach or block a two-thirds vote (RONR §44).
6. In a small board, just take part. You may make motions, debate, and usually vote on every question (RONR §49).

What the chair says

To invite a motion without making one:

The chair would entertain a motion on this matter. Is there such a motion?

To step aside so you can debate:

The chair wishes to speak on this question and asks the vice-chair to preside until it is decided.

To break a tie:

There are 6 in favor and 6 opposed. The chair votes in the affirmative, so there are 7 in favor and 6 opposed. The affirmative has it, and the motion is adopted.

To create a tie that defeats a motion:

There are 7 in favor and 6 opposed. The chair votes in the negative, making it 7 to 7. The motion is lost.

Common mistakes

• Thinking the chair can never vote. A chair who is a member keeps the right to vote. In larger groups the chair simply holds back unless the vote would change the outcome or the vote is by ballot (RONR §44).
• Thinking the chair breaks every tie. A tie vote already defeats a motion, because a majority was not reached. The chair is never required to vote, and staying silent lets the tie stand (RONR §44).
• Debating from the chair. A chair who argues for one side while still presiding loses the trust that comes from being neutral. Step aside first (RONR §43, §47).

When your own rules say otherwise

Your bylaws, charter, or special rules of order come before Robert's Rules (RONR §2). Some bylaws say the chair votes only to break ties. Others say the chair votes on everything, or say who may make motions. For city councils, school boards, and other public bodies, state law or a local charter often decides whether the mayor or board president may move, second, or vote, and when. Check your bylaws for sections on officers, the presiding officer, and voting. Public bodies should also check their charter and state statutes. If the stakes are high, a local attorney can confirm what applies to your group.