Your Convention Workbook will be available when you register. Your workbook will include the following information:
Tips on Parliamentary Procedure/Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance
A short form of commonly practiced parliamentary procedures is included with the convention workbook. To assist you, the parliamentarian will be available at specific times and location noted in the order of business. Microphone monitors can also assist you on the floor of convention.
Proposed Convention Rules
Convention rules not covered by bylaws are adopted by a majority vote at the beginning of the Convention, but may be amended, rescinded or suspended later by a two-thirds vote.
Proposed Order of Business
LWVIL President, Mary Kubasak, as Chair of the Convention, will ask for a motion to adopt the proposed order of business at the beginning of convention. A majority vote is needed to adopt. Changes may be proposed as amendments to this motion. After adoption, a two-thirds vote is required to make a change.
Plenary Session
- Convention sessions begin and end in a timely manner. Doors are closed when order is called. The proposed rules state that absentee or proxy voting is not permitted. When a vote is in progress, the doors to the convention hall will be closed and no one may enter.
- Wait to be recognized by the chair before speaking. Use the microphone and always give your name and League. During debate, the microphones will be designated PRO and CON so that the chair can alternate the points of view presented.
- All motions and amendments must be written on forms which will be available during the plenary sessions.
- Information about how to request a point of order, a point of information, a parliamentary inquiry or a question of privilege will be described in detail.
Timing of Convention Presentations, Discussions and Votes
The budget, bylaws, program and Will of Convention Motions are all presented and debated on Saturday and voted on Sunday morning.
- Not-recommended program items proposed during program planning and listed in the workbook may be moved for consideration immediately after the recommended program is presented. After all not-recommended items have been offered votes on consideration of each will be taken in the order in which the items were offered.
- Motions expressing the Will of Convention may be made after the votes regarding consideration of not-recommended program items. Such motions direct the state League to take a specific advocacy action, but may not divert human or financial resources from the adopted League program or budget. (For example, a Will of Convention Motion could direct that a letter be sent to the governor or the legislative leadership on a critical issue.)
Convention Caucuses
A caucus is convened by local League delegates to provide a forum for delegates with similar interests to join together to plan strategies. State Board members and off-board Issue Specialists will attend only if invited to provide background information or advice. Attending a caucus indicates interest, not necessarily commitment.
A delegate might choose to convene a caucus to:
- Promote interest or discussion on an item.
- Assess the strength of the position you are advocating with other delegates.
- Decide upon floor strategy.
- Develop arguments in support of your position.
Reserve a space for a caucus:
- Before convention, call or e-mail the state League office or submit a Caucus Request form. (Select pdf or Word version.)
Questions on any topic or issue whether addressed in this E-News or not may be directed to Mary H Schaafsma, Executive Director, LWVIL, by e-mail to
marys@lwvil.org.
Thank you.