Which phrasing would the presiding officer use if the motion is adopted?

Which phrasing would the presiding officer use if the motion is adopted?

• A. The 'noes' have it, and the motion is lost.
• B. The 'ayes' have it, and the motion is carried. We will...
• C. The motion is hereby approved.
• D. The result is inconclusive.

Answer: (B)

When a motion is adopted, the presiding officer uses standard parliamentary language that clearly marks the outcome and its effect. The correct phrasing states that the ayes have it and that the motion is carried. This directly communicates that the majority votes in favor and that the motion takes effect (is adopted). It’s the conventional way to announce a successful vote. The other options either imply defeat ("noes have it, and the motion is lost"), use nonstandard or less precise language for a passed motion, or describe an inconclusive result, which isn’t appropriate when the vote clearly approves the motion.

When a motion is adopted, the presiding officer uses standard parliamentary language that clearly marks the outcome and its effect. The correct phrasing states that the ayes have it and that the motion is carried. This directly communicates that the majority votes in favor and that the motion takes effect (is adopted). It’s the conventional way to announce a successful vote.

The other options either imply defeat ("noes have it, and the motion is lost"), use nonstandard or less precise language for a passed motion, or describe an inconclusive result, which isn’t appropriate when the vote clearly approves the motion.