When a motion to withdraw is requested after the motion has been stated by the presiding officer, what action must the assembly take to permit withdrawal?

When a motion to withdraw is requested after the motion has been stated by the presiding officer, what action must the assembly take to permit withdrawal?

• A. Postpone the motion
• B. Withdraw the motion
• C. Amend the motion
• D. Table the motion

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that withdrawing a motion after it has been stated requires the assembly’s permission. The presiding officer cannot unilaterally pull it back. The mover requests withdrawal, and the assembly decides whether to allow it. If no one objects, the presiding officer can declare the motion withdrawn by unanimous consent. If there are objections, the assembly must vote to permit withdrawal. This distinguishes withdrawal from other actions like postponing, amending, or tabling, which do not remove the motion from consideration in the same way.

The key idea is that withdrawing a motion after it has been stated requires the assembly’s permission. The presiding officer cannot unilaterally pull it back. The mover requests withdrawal, and the assembly decides whether to allow it. If no one objects, the presiding officer can declare the motion withdrawn by unanimous consent. If there are objections, the assembly must vote to permit withdrawal. This distinguishes withdrawal from other actions like postponing, amending, or tabling, which do not remove the motion from consideration in the same way.