Some incidental motions make requests and inquiries. A few of these have already been discussed earlier in this chapter. There are a number of lesser known or used incidental motions that make requests and inquiries.

Parliamentary inquiries are incidental motions. A member might ask for clarification on a point of parliamentary procedure. When the chair answers such an inquiry, the member(s) should understand that the chair is giving an opinion, not a decision.

If a member wants information, he or she can say, “I rise for information” or “I rise to a point of information.” Sometimes members want to read a paper (more on this later); it's allowed only if no member objects.

Does your group or organization have bylaws or rules concerning nominations? Most do. However, if the answer is no, then there may be interest in incidental motions relating to these. If there's a pending election, any member can make a motion that sets up the way he or she would like to see nominations made for office. Sometimes members may have many different methods to propose; these can be proposed as amendments to the motion. Time should be allowed for nominations before the chair asks if there are further nominations, then if there aren't, the chair can use general consent to close the nomination process (which eliminates a need to have a member make a motion to close nominations).

Incidental motions relating to nominations must be seconded. They can be amended but are not debatable, and they must have a majority vote (if there's a motion to close nominations, it will require a two-thirds vote in the affirmative). You'll learn more about nominations and voting in Chapters 13 and 14.