Can a motion be tabled to avoid ever voting on it?

Short answer

No. Under Robert's Rules, the motion to lay on the table ("tabling") only sets a motion aside for a short time so something urgent can be handled first. It is not meant to kill a motion without a vote. If it is clearly being used that way, the chair should rule it out of order (RONR §17).

What to do

1. Ask why the member wants to table. If something urgent needs attention right now, such as a guest speaker who must leave, tabling is proper (RONR §17).
2. If the real goal is to kill the motion, say so kindly. Then point the member to the correct tool:
   • Postpone indefinitely. This kills the main motion without a direct vote on it. It is debatable and needs a majority (RONR §11).
   • Just vote it down. A "no" vote ends it for that session (RONR §4).
   • Postpone to a certain time. Use this if people want to deal with it later, at a set time or meeting (RONR §14).
   • Previous question. Use this to end debate and vote now. It needs a two-thirds vote (RONR §16).
3. If a motion was already tabled, know how it comes back. Any member can move to take from the table (RONR §34). This can happen later in the same session (one meeting, or a series of connected meetings, per RONR §8). If your group meets at least every three months, it can also happen at the next regular session. After that, the motion dies. It can then be brought up again as new business (RONR §38).

What the chair says

When tabling is being used to kill a motion:

The chair notes that the motion to lay on the table is meant for setting a matter aside briefly when something more urgent comes up. It cannot be used to kill a motion. The motion to table is out of order. If the member wishes to dispose of the motion without a direct vote, a motion to postpone indefinitely would be in order.

When tabling is proper:

It is moved and seconded to lay the motion on the table. Those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it, and the motion is laid on the table.

The motion

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 mean "kill." Tabling has no debate and needs only a majority. Used to kill, it would let a bare majority shut down a motion with no discussion at all. That is unfair to the minority. Robert's Rules normally requires a two-thirds vote to cut off debate (RONR §16, §17).
• Using "table" to mean "put off to next meeting." That is the motion to postpone to a certain time (RONR §14). It is debatable and sets a clear time to return.
• Not speaking up in time. If tabling is misused, a member should raise a point of order right away. That means asking the chair to enforce the rules (RONR §23). If members disagree with the chair's ruling, they can appeal so the group decides (RONR §24).

When your own rules say otherwise

Your bylaws, special rules of order, or customs may treat tabling differently, and adopted rules outrank Robert's Rules where they conflict (RONR §2). Many state legislatures and some city councils use "table" to mean "kill." That is their own practice, not Robert's Rules. Check your bylaws, any adopted rules of procedure, and, for public bodies, your charter and state open-meetings law. Look for provisions on tabling, postponing, or how long pending items stay alive.