When a member of a governmental body believes that a discussion or action by the body is procedurally incorrect, the member may raise a point of order. A point of order does not require a second and is not open to discussion or debate. The point of order is directed to the chair and entitles the member to point out the perceived procedural mistake. The chair is required to respond with a ruling that the member is either correct or incorrect. This may be done by the chair alone or, upon request of the chair, by vote of the members of the body.

If the chair rules that the member is correct, the chair must order the correct procedures be followed. If the chair rules that the member is incorrect, any member may appeal  the ruling to the body and the decision as to what constitutes the proper procedure is decided by a vote of the body.  A tie vote sustains the chair's ruling.

(rev. 1/19)