Second (democracy)

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A second is an endorsement by a member of a deliberative body that a proposed motion should be discussed by the body. It is a necessary step in proposing almost all motions in parliamentary procedure. A second is not necessarily an endorsement of the motion itself. Its only purpose is to say that the motion should be considered. The requirement for a second prevents a single member from tying up business in an assembly with matters only he wishes to discuss.

After a motion is proposed, if the motion requires a second and none is immediately offered, the chair of the body will usually say "Is there a second?" A member wanting to second the motion rises and states "I second the motion" or simply says "second" while seated. Once a second is obtained, discussion of the motion begins. A motion is not officially proposed until there is a second. If no second is obtained within a few moments of proposing the motion, then the motion is not considered by the assembly, and is treated as though it was never offered (although it is recorded in the minutes). Such a motion may be introduced again at any later time.

A second is not necessary in committees unless the committee explicitly makes it a part of its rules. A second is also not necessary for certain procedural motions. If a motion is not seconded, but is discussed or voted on, it is too late to object that a second was not offered, since its purpose has been fulfilled: more than one member has shown that he wishes to consider the motion^[1].