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dark horse

A nominee who may not be the first choice of most, but on whom most may prefer to agree.

debatable

When a motion is debatable, the members may discuss it during Step 4 of the processing of the motion. Undebatable motions must skip Step 4 and go immediately to the vote on the motion.

debate

The discussion of a motion that occurs after the presiding officer has restated the motion and before putting it to a vote.

decorum

To conduct oneself in a proper manner. Usually refers to debate, as in decorum in debate.

decorum in debate

Appropriate behavior during debate. Robert’s Rules lists nine such debate rules, including not attacking another member’s motives, addressing comments through the chair, and so on.

defer action

Using specific motions to delay action on a motion.

delegate body

In organizations that are large and/or spread throughout the country or the world, it's not practical for all the members to come together for a meeting. To still maintain decision-making that represents the membership, this type of organization may have delegates who come together and meet on behalf of the entire organization. The participants frequently attend as representatives of a local, state, or regional association. The convention participants come together to make decisions on behalf of the entire organization.

deliberative assembly

A group of people, meeting together to openly discuss issues and make decisions that then become the decision of the group.

Dilatory

A motion, action, or statement that’s purpose is to delay action. It is an attempt to obstruct the will of the assembly.

Discharge a Committee

A motion that relieves a committee from further consideration of the task that has been assigned to it.

disciplinary procedures

An organization has a right to make and enforce rules, and to require members to refrain from conduct that hurts the organization. Therefore a society has the right to discipline its members, following very specific procedures that are outlined in Robert’s Rules.

discussion

Debate that occurs after the presiding officer restates the motion and before the vote is taken on the motion.

Dispense With the Reading of the Minutes

This motion, if adopted, delays the reading of the minutes to a later time in the meeting. In most contemporary organizations, the minutes are distributed in advance of the meeting and, therefore, there is no need to read them at the meeting.

dispose of

Action on a motion that removes it from consideration by the assembly. A motion is considered permanently disposed of when it has been approved or defeated by vote of the assembly.

Division of the Assembly

The effect of this motion is to require a standing vote (not a counted vote). A single member can demand this if he or she feels the vote is too close to declare or is unrepresentative. This motion can only be used after the voice vote or show of hands vote where there is a reasonable doubt of the results.

Division of the Question

This motion is used to separate a Main Motion or Amendment into parts to be voted on individually. It can only be used if each part can stand as a separate question.