At the beginning of committee, the chairs do roll call alphabetically. When they state the name of your delegation, you must respond with either "Present" or "Present and Voting." Present means that you can vote for, against, or abstain for a resolution. Present and voting means you cannot abstain, and is used in situations where your delegation has a very polarized opinion on the topic.

In order to open debate, the delegates must pass a motion to open debate. It will often need a 2/3 majority to pass and then the committee moves into debate.

When there are two or more topics, there will be an opportunity to set the agenda. Sometimes chairs will allow delegates to debate for or against a specific topic before putting it to a vote. Then delegates vote on a motion to set the agenda with one topic being first.

Moderated caucuses (mods) are a format of debate that focuses on a specific topic. When motioning for a mod you have to include the total time, speaking time, and topic. During the mod, speakers are called on by the chairs and make speeches about the topic.

The speakers list is an ordered list of delegates in the committee where delegates get up and speak about the main topic. It is the preliminary format of debate until delegates motion for other formats. In a situation where no other motions pass, the committee returns to this list.

Unmoderated caucuses (unmods) are a format of debate where delegates can get up from their seats and walk around to discuss the topic with other delegates. During unmods, delegates typically form groups (aka blocs) that write resolutions together.

Voting Bloc

After a delegate motions to enter voting bloc, the chair often entertains two speakers for and against moving into voting bloc before a vote. No delegates are allowed to leave or enter the room once the committee enters voting bloc. 

Voting bloc is where you vote on resolutions. Once you are in voting bloc, the chair will usually have you vote on the resolutions in order of submission. The chair will tell you ahead of time if all or only one resolution is allowed to pass. If any unfriendly amendments have been proposed to any resolution then these will be voted on before the resolutions.

There are three different voting methods:

1. Vote by Placard: This is the most common form of voting. The dais will ask for all those for, against, or abstaining. The delegates then raise their placard when the category (for, against, abstaining) applying to them is stated. Those who previously stated they were Present and Voting during roll call may not abstain.

2. Vote by Acclamation: This is a rare and usually has to be motioned for by a delegate. The dais will ask if there are any objections in passing the resolution and if there aren't any, the resolution passes. If you don't want it to pass, you raise your placard when the dais asks for objections.

3. Vote by Roll Call: This is rare and usually has to be motioned for by a delegate. Since it is more time consuming, chairs often deem it dilatory. In this voting procedure, the dais will call on each delegate individually and they can answer "yes," "no," "abstain," or "pass." If you previously stated you were Present and Voting during roll call, you may not abstain or pass. If you pass, you will be returned to after the rest of the committee states their vote.

Suspend Debate

Suspending debate means that the committee will return at some later point in time. For example, if you are going on a lunch break or are leaving for the day and are going to return tomorrow. In order to suspend debate, the delegates must pass a motion. It will often need a 2/3 majority to pass.

Close Debate

Closing debate happens when committee is over and delegates will not be returning. In order to close debate, the delegates must pass a motion. It will often need a 2/3 majority to pass.