What is the difference between postponing a motion and tabling it?

Short answer

To postpone a motion means putting it off to a set time, such as the next meeting. It then comes back up on its own (RONR §14). To table a motion (formally, "lay on the table") means setting it aside for a short time, with no set return time, so something urgent can be handled first. It only comes back if someone moves to take it from the table (RONR §17, §34). Tabling is not meant to kill a motion or delay it for months.

What to do

1. Ask what the group really wants. Do they want to deal with this later at a known time? Use postpone. Is there an urgent matter that must cut in line right now? Use lay on the table.
2. If people say "table it until next month," treat it as a motion to postpone. That is what they mean, and postponing is the right tool.
3. For postponing, name the time. Examples: "until after the treasurer's report" or "until the next regular meeting." A motion can't be postponed past the next regular session. If meetings are more than three months apart, it can't be postponed past the current session (RONR §8, §14).
4. For tabling, plan to take it back up. Once the urgent matter is done, a member can move to take it from the table. If no one does by the end of the next session (when meetings are no more than three months apart), the motion dies (RONR §34).
5. If the goal is to kill the motion, say so honestly. Use the motion to postpone indefinitely (RONR §11) or simply vote it down. Don't use tabling to dodge a vote.

What the chair says

For postponing:

It is moved and seconded to postpone the motion until the next regular meeting. Is there any discussion on postponing?

The motion to postpone is adopted. The motion will come up as unfinished business at the next regular meeting.

For tabling:

It is moved and seconded to lay the motion on the table. This motion is not debatable. All in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no.

The ayes have it. The motion is laid on the table. A member may move to take it from the table once we finish the urgent business.

The motion

Postpone to a certain time (RONR §14)

• Needs a second? Yes.
• Debatable? Yes, but only about whether and when to postpone.
• Amendable? Yes, as to the time.
• Vote needed? Majority. It takes two-thirds if it makes the item a "special order," meaning it is set for an exact time that overrides other business.
• Can it interrupt a speaker? No.

Lay on the table (RONR §17)

• Needs a second? Yes.
• Debatable? No.
• Amendable? No.
• Vote needed? Majority.
• Can it interrupt a speaker? No.

Common mistakes

• Using "table" to kill a motion. Because tabling is not debatable and needs only a majority, it can shut down discussion unfairly. Robert's Rules says this is improper (RONR §17). If the real purpose is to end debate, that takes a two-thirds vote under the previous question (RONR §16).
• Saying "table" when you mean "postpone." "Table it until next meeting" is really a motion to postpone. The chair should treat it that way, which means it is debatable and comes back on its own.
• Forgetting about a tabled motion. Tabled items don't come back by themselves. If no one takes them from the table in time, they die.

When your own rules say otherwise

Your bylaws, special rules of order, or long-standing custom may handle this differently, and they win over Robert's Rules when they conflict (RONR §2). Some groups, including many legislative bodies and councils, use "table" to mean killing a motion under their own rules. Look for a parliamentary authority clause, any written rules about tabling or postponing, and rules on how far apart meetings are. Public bodies should also check state open-meetings law. It may require items to appear on a posted agenda before they can be taken up again. Small boards often work more informally (RONR §49), but the basic difference between these two motions still applies.