In what situation might a chair decide to avoid the need for a second on a motion?

The situation in which a chair might decide to avoid the need for a second on a motion typically occurs when the chair is confident of majority support for the motion. In parliamentary procedure, the requirement for a second is meant to ensure that at least some members of the assembly support the motion before it is considered for debate. However, if the chair believes that the motion has broad support and will likely pass, they can choose to bypass the second. This demonstrates trust in the collective sentiment of the assembly, facilitating smoother and more efficient deliberation.

In contrast, when a motion is trivial, it may still require a second unless the assembly’s rules provide for a different protocol for insignificant issues. For large assemblies, the chair may need to manage motions differently, but avoiding the second solely based on size would not be standard practice. If members are particularly against a motion, the requisite second would likely be of even greater importance to gauge support rather than disregarding it. Thus, the context of majority support is key in allowing the chair to confidently proceed without a second.