A motion to table is a motion which can be brought up in a meeting which is following the parliamentary procedure to “table” or retire the topic under discussion without further debate. Essentially, the motion defeats the topic under discussion, since it cannot be brought up again, and the motion itself is not open to debate. Some people feel that using the motion to table is a bit of a cheap trick used to deflect discussion about important issues, and that it is often unfair to the minority.

Many organizations which meet on a regular basis are governed by Robert's Rules of Order, a set of rules which are designed to improve the parliamentary decision-making process. Robert's Rules are intended to protect the minority from being quashed while setting out clear rules for a variety of situations to ensure that groups such as legislatures and city councils can work smoothly and efficiently, and to create a standard system which is easy for everyone to use and understand. While motions to table are permitted under Robert's Rules, they must be used with care.

In a classic example of a motion to table, a group such as the United States Senate might be discussing a piece of legislation, and a member of the Senate would rise to propose a motion to table. If seconded, the motion would be put to the vote, and if a majority approved the motion, the matter would be dropped. The motion would also be recorded in the transcript of proceedings.

There are some legitimate reasons to put forth a motion to table. For example, if a pressing matter emerged, a legislative body might decide as a group to set a previous discussion aside in interest of addressing the more immediate issue. This would be especially true in a situation where the new situation might potentially have an impact on the topic currently under discussion. A motion to table might also be used in an attempt to finish a meeting by a reasonable time.

In a situation where a motion to table is being used with the intent of suppressing the minority, it is generally deemed “out of order.” As a general rule, it is better to move to postpone something indefinitely rather than to propose a motion to table. In contrast with a motion to table, a move to postpone indefinitely would also set the matter aside, but only temporarily. If people later wanted to revive the discussion, they could do so with ease.