What should the chair say when a motion gets no second?

Short answer

First, the chair asks, "Is there a second?" If no one answers, the chair says, "The motion is not before the meeting for lack of a second," and moves to the next item of business. There is no vote and no debate on a motion that was never seconded (RONR §4).

What to do

1. Listen for a second. A "second" is when another member says "Second!" to show they want the group to discuss the motion. They don't have to agree with it. They just have to want it discussed (RONR §4).
2. If no one speaks up, ask once. Say, "Is there a second to the motion?" Give people a moment to answer.
3. If there is still no second, announce it. Say plainly that the motion is not before the meeting. Don't open debate. Don't call for a vote.
4. Move on. Go to the next item on the agenda, or ask, "Is there further business?"
5. Know when a second isn't needed. A motion that comes from a committee with more than one member needs no second. The committee members already agreed to bring it (RONR §51). In small boards of about a dozen members or fewer, seconds are usually not required at all (RONR §49).

What the chair says

When a motion is made and no one seconds it:

Is there a second to the motion?

If there is still silence:

The motion is not before the meeting for lack of a second. Is there further business?

A shorter version also works:

Since there is no second, the motion is not before the meeting.

If someone does second it, the chair "states the question." That means saying the motion out loud so it officially belongs to the group:

It is moved and seconded that [read the motion]. Is there any discussion?

Common mistakes

• Calling for a vote anyway. A motion with no second is not up for a vote. Voting on it wastes time and can confuse people about what was decided.
• Saying the motion "failed." It didn't fail. It was simply never taken up. Because it was never considered, a member can usually make it again later, such as at a later meeting or once things change.
• Undoing a vote over a missing second. Suppose no one noticed the missing second, and the group went ahead and debated and voted. That vote still counts. The lack of a second doesn't matter once discussion has started (RONR §4). If a member wants to object to the missing second, they must raise a "point of order" right away, before debate begins (RONR §23). A point of order is a request asking the chair to enforce the rules.

One more tip: in most groups, the chair should not second motions. The chair should stay neutral while running the meeting (RONR §47). Small boards are more relaxed about this (RONR §49).

When your own rules say otherwise

Your bylaws, special rules of order, or standing rules can change these steps. So can a city charter or state law for public bodies. Rules higher in that chain win when they conflict (RONR §2). Look for any rule that drops the need for seconds, which is common for councils and small boards. Also look for rules about who may make or second motions, such as whether the mayor or board president may do so. Public bodies should also check their state open-meetings law and local council rules, which sometimes set their own procedure. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.