- Pronouns
- He/Him, They/Them
Published Speakers Office Guides
The guides that are yet to be written are the following:
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Published Speakers Office Guides
- Thread starter St George
- Start date
- Status
Published Speakers Office Guides
The guides that are yet to be written are the following:
- Pronouns
- He/Him, They/Them
Citizenship Application - Standard Application Process
Prerequisites:
None
Step 0: Open up both the Pending Citizenship Applications sheet and the Citizenship Application forum thread. Scroll down to the last post in the Citizenship Application forum thread.
Step 1: For every application, take note of the nation name of the application. (They should only fill in a nation name without the pretitle, eg. PotatoFarmers. Officially, if the nation name contains the pretitle, eg. The Republic of PotatoFarmers, we are to reject them, however, anyone can exercise discretion if the nation name without the pretitle is obvious.)
Step 2: Enter the following details into the Pending Citizenship Applications spreadsheet:
Step 3: For all new applications, check if they pass the Speaker's Check. To pass the Speaker's Check, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
Step 4: Look at previous pending applications, and see if they have passed other checks.
Step 5: For every check that passes, you enter the date of passing in the relevant column. If not, check the box, that application is considered to have failed. Please reject them explicitly on the citizenship applications thread.
Step 5a: If an applicant fails the Vice Delegate Check, proceed with the procedure for failing Vice Delegate Checks.
Step 5b: If an applicant fails the Admin Check due to them not having a residential IP address, wait for the Vice Delegate to perform a re-evaluation on their application. Be sure they meet the criteria, which is outlined below:
Step 6: For an application to pass, they have to pass all 3 checks - Speaker's Check, Vice Delegate's Check, and Admin Check. If all check passes, proceed to complete the following:
Step 6a: Make a corresponding post on the Citizenship Applications forum thread that they have passed all 3 checks and will therefore be masked as a citizen.
Step 6b: On the forums, go to joinable groups under Members and mask them in Citizens group (like how you mask executive staffers). The joinable group should look like the below:
Step 6c: Copy their Forum Name, Nation and Profile, make a new row in the Citizens page, and then paste the details in. The number on the first column should be previous number + 1, pull the formula for column I and J down, the rest of the columns leave it blank
Step 6d: Where applicable, remove from Residents sheet and remove their Residents masking if they had one.
Prerequisites:
None
Step 0: Open up both the Pending Citizenship Applications sheet and the Citizenship Application forum thread. Scroll down to the last post in the Citizenship Application forum thread.
Step 1: For every application, take note of the nation name of the application. (They should only fill in a nation name without the pretitle, eg. PotatoFarmers. Officially, if the nation name contains the pretitle, eg. The Republic of PotatoFarmers, we are to reject them, however, anyone can exercise discretion if the nation name without the pretitle is obvious.)
Step 2: Enter the following details into the Pending Citizenship Applications spreadsheet:
- Forum Name in the first column
- Date of Application in the second column
- Nationstates Nation Name in the third column, using the formula: (Note, take the nation name without pretitle!)
For example, for the nation The Northern Light:
- Forum Profile ID in the fourth column, using the formula: (The Forum Profile ID is the 6/7-digit number found in the link to the forum profile)
For example, for the forum with the profile id 123456:
Step 3: For all new applications, check if they pass the Speaker's Check. To pass the Speaker's Check, the following criteria must be fulfilled:
- Nation needs to exist and be located in The North Pacific.
- The citizenship oath, word for word as below (Tip: Just Ctrl+F/Command+F and then see if the oath is highlighted as an instance of the oath. If there are missing words, the oath would not be highlighted in full.)
Step 4: Look at previous pending applications, and see if they have passed other checks.
Step 5: For every check that passes, you enter the date of passing in the relevant column. If not, check the box, that application is considered to have failed. Please reject them explicitly on the citizenship applications thread.
Step 5a: If an applicant fails the Vice Delegate Check, proceed with the procedure for failing Vice Delegate Checks.
Step 5b: If an applicant fails the Admin Check due to them not having a residential IP address, wait for the Vice Delegate to perform a re-evaluation on their application. Be sure they meet the criteria, which is outlined below:
- Applicant does not have another forum account,
- Applicant did not apply with a proxy/VPN,
- Applicant's nation they applied with is in the World Assembly.
Step 6: For an application to pass, they have to pass all 3 checks - Speaker's Check, Vice Delegate's Check, and Admin Check. If all check passes, proceed to complete the following:
Step 6a: Make a corresponding post on the Citizenship Applications forum thread that they have passed all 3 checks and will therefore be masked as a citizen.
Step 6b: On the forums, go to joinable groups under Members and mask them in Citizens group (like how you mask executive staffers). The joinable group should look like the below:
Step 6c: Copy their Forum Name, Nation and Profile, make a new row in the Citizens page, and then paste the details in. The number on the first column should be previous number + 1, pull the formula for column I and J down, the rest of the columns leave it blank
Step 6d: Where applicable, remove from Residents sheet and remove their Residents masking if they had one.
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- Pronouns
- He/Him, They/Them
Closing a Voting Thread
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to do citizenship status check.
Step 1: Run a standard citizenship status check. This should be a standard procedure before any vote counting.
Step 2: Take a look at the opening post of the voting thread. A sample can be found below:
The 2 main things to take note of: when the vote ends (per the example: Friday, Jan 21 2022) as well as the 4 digit order number below the motion (4827).
Step 3: Open the "Counting Sheet" spreadsheet in the Citizenship Registry. Under Order #, replace the number in the white box with the number as found in the Opening Post (4827).
Step 4: For every valid vote in the voting thread, look up the citizen's name and then put their vote in the cell under the "Vote" column. Put y for Aye, n for Nay, and q for Abstain. For votes to be valid, they have to be posted before the end of voting period, and that the citizen should not have their voting rights suspended. Take note of the invalid votes.
Step 5: Check if there are voters who are not citizens at the start of voting. This is determined by the Order Number (4827, in this case). On the sheet, it would be marked out in red and ignored in the sheet. Please remove this vote from the counting sheet.
Step 6: Under the excel sheet, check if the quorum is met. If the quorum is not met, by the Regional Assembly Rules, Section 2.5, we will announce an extension of the vote to the maximum time permitted.
Step 7: Check whether the required majority is met. Typically, only a simple majority is required for any confirmation/bill to pass. The following are some exceptions, as required by the Constitution:
Step 8: Under the Voting Post Templates, find the appropriate closing post and fill in the blanks. The list of Aye, Nay and Abstain voters can be obtained from the sheet. Also fill in the list of invalid votes per the respective templates.
Step 9: Post the appropriate closing post. Lock the thread, and change the title of the thread to mark its status (ie. Passed or Failed)
Step 10: Copy the Paste column in the Counting Spreadsheet. Create a new column in the Citizens sheet, and paste that column directly into the sheet. At the first row, note whether it is a legislative vote (ie. voting on amending one of the legal documents, or adding a new treaty); or a non-legislative vote (eg. recall, confirmation). At the second row, note the date and link to the voting thread, using the following formula:
See screenshot below for how it should look like.
Step 11: If the proposal requires a change to the Legal Code, please present the proposal to the delegate here.
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to do citizenship status check.
Step 1: Run a standard citizenship status check. This should be a standard procedure before any vote counting.
Step 2: Take a look at the opening post of the voting thread. A sample can be found below:
The 2 main things to take note of: when the vote ends (per the example: Friday, Jan 21 2022) as well as the 4 digit order number below the motion (4827).
Step 3: Open the "Counting Sheet" spreadsheet in the Citizenship Registry. Under Order #, replace the number in the white box with the number as found in the Opening Post (4827).
Step 4: For every valid vote in the voting thread, look up the citizen's name and then put their vote in the cell under the "Vote" column. Put y for Aye, n for Nay, and q for Abstain. For votes to be valid, they have to be posted before the end of voting period, and that the citizen should not have their voting rights suspended. Take note of the invalid votes.
Step 5: Check if there are voters who are not citizens at the start of voting. This is determined by the Order Number (4827, in this case). On the sheet, it would be marked out in red and ignored in the sheet. Please remove this vote from the counting sheet.
As you can see, it is marked "Discount": View attachment 490
Step 6: Under the excel sheet, check if the quorum is met. If the quorum is not met, by the Regional Assembly Rules, Section 2.5, we will announce an extension of the vote to the maximum time permitted.
Step 7: Check whether the required majority is met. Typically, only a simple majority is required for any confirmation/bill to pass. The following are some exceptions, as required by the Constitution:
- Making changes to legal documents. Note that any bill changing more than one of the following documents must past the majority required to change all the documents as required by the bill, for the bill to be considered as passed.
- Legal Code: A simple majority is required to change the Legal Code.
- Constitution: A 2/3rd majority is required to change the Constitution. (See Article 8 of the Constitution)
- Bill of Rights: A 3/4th majority is required to change the Bill of Rights. (See Article 8 of the Constitution)
- Passing a treaty. A 2/3rd majority is required to pass the treaty as negotiated by the Delegate/Minister of Foreign Affairs. (See Article 3, Clause 3 of the Constitution)
- Overriding a veto. Should the Delegate veto a proposal by the Regional Assembly, a 2/3rd majority is required to override such a veto (See Article 3, Clause 5 & Clause 6 of the Constitution)
- Confirmation of a member to the Security Council. If the applicant is nominated by the Security Council, a majority is enough to confirm them to the Security Council. However, if the Security Council doesn't nominate an applicant, or act on their application within 30 days, a 2/3rd majority is required to pass their confirmation. (See Article 5, Clause 2 of the Constitution)
Step 8: Under the Voting Post Templates, find the appropriate closing post and fill in the blanks. The list of Aye, Nay and Abstain voters can be obtained from the sheet. Also fill in the list of invalid votes per the respective templates.
Step 9: Post the appropriate closing post. Lock the thread, and change the title of the thread to mark its status (ie. Passed or Failed)
Step 10: Copy the Paste column in the Counting Spreadsheet. Create a new column in the Citizens sheet, and paste that column directly into the sheet. At the first row, note whether it is a legislative vote (ie. voting on amending one of the legal documents, or adding a new treaty); or a non-legislative vote (eg. recall, confirmation). At the second row, note the date and link to the voting thread, using the following formula:
Code:
=HYPERLINK("@@LINK TO VOTING THREAD@@","DATE OF THREAD OPENING")Step 11: If the proposal requires a change to the Legal Code, please present the proposal to the delegate here.
DISCLAIMER: The posting check (RMB and Forum) tools in the sheet are currently non-functional, but @Sil Dorsett has kindly provided us with a new tool to help with that check. However, we still follow most of what is outlined in this guide.
Citizenship Status Check - Standard Procedure
Prerequisites:
None
Step 1: Open the Citizenship sheet. Click on "Perform Checks" (found on the menu at the top of the sheet. After clicking "perform checks" there are five different options/checks you can perform.)
Step 2 - Check Nations: Use this check for both the citizen and resident sheets. This checks if the citizen or resident has a nation residing in TNP. If a citizen's or resident's nation name turns red (column D on the citizen sheet and column B on the resident sheet), they fail the check. If it remains white, they pass. Remember, always double-check by manually checking their nation.
Below is an example of a nation failing said check (outlined in black):
Step 3 - Check RMB/Forum Posting Activity: These checks check if the citizens have met the posting requirements (posted on the forum or RMB within 30 days). Once you've performed the check, change from the citizen sheet to the sheet named "To review posting requirements". There you will find all nations that have failed to meet the posting requirements. If it is empty, you can proceed to the next check. If a nation has failed the posting checks, always make sure to manually check if they have failed the posting requirements so the sheet hasn't missed a post. There are links available in the sheet directly to the RMB posts. For forum posts, click on the link to the citizen's forum account and choose "postings".
Step 4: Skip to Step 5 if no one failed step 2 and 3. Prepare a forum post in the thread Loss of Citizenship/Residency Notifications by writing down all the citizens and/or residents who have failed to keep their current status in the region and the reason why.
Step 4a: If a citizen/resident has lost citizenship due to failing the nations check, remove their row altogether from the citizen/resident registry and remove their citizen/resident masking on the forum.
Step 4b: If a citizen has lost citizenship due to failing the posting checks, add them as a resident instead on the sheet(copy forum name and hyperlinks for nation and forum account). Remove their row on the citizen sheet and mask them as a resident on the forum.
Step 4c: Post your forum post in the thread Loss of Citizenship/Residency Notifications.
Step 4d: If a government official has lost citizenship/residency in the region please inform admin so they can mask them appropriately. If it's an elected official, inform the election commission.
Step 5 - Check Forum Activity: This check only applies to government officials, including security councillors. If a government official has failed to log on to the forums within 14 days, column F on the citizen sheet will turn golden. After conducting the check, you can also find government officials who have failed the activity check on the sheet named "To review posting requirements. (For residents who are government officials, you will have to check them manually. Click on the resident's forum account link and check "last seen" and check if it is within 14 days of today). If a government official has failed to meet activity requirements, make a post in Admin Requests so they can be demasked and the election commission if the government official is an elected official.
Step 6 - Check Forum Names: Make sure to check both the resident and citizen sheet when conducting this check. If a nation's forum name turns golden it means they have changed their forum name to something different (Forum name is found on column B in the citizen sheet and column A in the resident sheet). To count votes etc. it is important that the correct forum name is written in the sheet. Here's what to do to change the forum names:
Step 6a: Copy the old/wrong name.
Step 6b: If the forum name cell has little black mark (a note) in the top right corner: Click on it and paste the old forum name in a new row below the previous old forum names. Skip to 6.D
Step 6c: If the forum name cell does not have a little black mark (a note) in the top right corner: Right click the cell of the forum name and select "Insert Note". Write: Formerly: [INSERT OLD FORUM NAME]
Step 6d: Find the citizen/resident's new forum name by clicking on the link to their form account. Copy and paste into the forum name cell.
Citizenship Status Check - Standard Procedure
Prerequisites:
None
Step 1: Open the Citizenship sheet. Click on "Perform Checks" (found on the menu at the top of the sheet. After clicking "perform checks" there are five different options/checks you can perform.)
Step 2 - Check Nations: Use this check for both the citizen and resident sheets. This checks if the citizen or resident has a nation residing in TNP. If a citizen's or resident's nation name turns red (column D on the citizen sheet and column B on the resident sheet), they fail the check. If it remains white, they pass. Remember, always double-check by manually checking their nation.
Below is an example of a nation failing said check (outlined in black):
Step 3 - Check RMB/Forum Posting Activity: These checks check if the citizens have met the posting requirements (posted on the forum or RMB within 30 days). Once you've performed the check, change from the citizen sheet to the sheet named "To review posting requirements". There you will find all nations that have failed to meet the posting requirements. If it is empty, you can proceed to the next check. If a nation has failed the posting checks, always make sure to manually check if they have failed the posting requirements so the sheet hasn't missed a post. There are links available in the sheet directly to the RMB posts. For forum posts, click on the link to the citizen's forum account and choose "postings".
Step 4: Skip to Step 5 if no one failed step 2 and 3. Prepare a forum post in the thread Loss of Citizenship/Residency Notifications by writing down all the citizens and/or residents who have failed to keep their current status in the region and the reason why.
Step 4a: If a citizen/resident has lost citizenship due to failing the nations check, remove their row altogether from the citizen/resident registry and remove their citizen/resident masking on the forum.
Step 4b: If a citizen has lost citizenship due to failing the posting checks, add them as a resident instead on the sheet(copy forum name and hyperlinks for nation and forum account). Remove their row on the citizen sheet and mask them as a resident on the forum.
Step 4c: Post your forum post in the thread Loss of Citizenship/Residency Notifications.
Step 4d: If a government official has lost citizenship/residency in the region please inform admin so they can mask them appropriately. If it's an elected official, inform the election commission.
Step 5 - Check Forum Activity: This check only applies to government officials, including security councillors. If a government official has failed to log on to the forums within 14 days, column F on the citizen sheet will turn golden. After conducting the check, you can also find government officials who have failed the activity check on the sheet named "To review posting requirements. (For residents who are government officials, you will have to check them manually. Click on the resident's forum account link and check "last seen" and check if it is within 14 days of today). If a government official has failed to meet activity requirements, make a post in Admin Requests so they can be demasked and the election commission if the government official is an elected official.
Step 6 - Check Forum Names: Make sure to check both the resident and citizen sheet when conducting this check. If a nation's forum name turns golden it means they have changed their forum name to something different (Forum name is found on column B in the citizen sheet and column A in the resident sheet). To count votes etc. it is important that the correct forum name is written in the sheet. Here's what to do to change the forum names:
Step 6a: Copy the old/wrong name.
Step 6b: If the forum name cell has little black mark (a note) in the top right corner: Click on it and paste the old forum name in a new row below the previous old forum names. Skip to 6.D
Step 6c: If the forum name cell does not have a little black mark (a note) in the top right corner: Right click the cell of the forum name and select "Insert Note". Write: Formerly: [INSERT OLD FORUM NAME]
Step 6d: Find the citizen/resident's new forum name by clicking on the link to their form account. Copy and paste into the forum name cell.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Opening a Vote
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to do a citizenship status check.
Step 1: Run a standard citizenship status check.
Step 2: Look at the date and time on which the vote is scheduled. This can be found in the debating thread. Note that the scheduling is done with a timestamp, which means the time is in your timezone.
Step 3: At the time the vote is scheduled, open a new thread in the Voting Floor subforum. As a title, use the same title as the one of the debating post. Put [AT VOTE] or something equivalent in front of the thread title, as this tells in what stage the voting is currently in.
Step 3a If the title of the debating thread is not clear enough to tell the purpose of the proposal, use the title of the bill, or make a title yourself, as long as it is clear what the proposal is about.
Step 4: Pick the correct opening template in the Voting Post Templates thread. Fill in all the blanks.
Step 4a: For the Length of the vote, pick an number of days between 3 to 7 days as permitted by law. (Normally this is at least 5 days to give less active citizens also the opportunity to vote.). Note: The Legal code and Regional Assembly Rules have multiple laws about the duration of the vote. Consult these if needed.
Step 4b: For the time voting ends, use a unix timestamp. The way this is used is (time=THE TIMESTAMP). This will show the correct time in all timezones.
Step 4c: The @@LAST ELIGEBLE@@ is a way of telling who the newest citizen is at the time voting starts. This is because people who gain citizenship after the vote starts are not eligible to vote. The number is the number as shown as the first column of the Citizens sheet.
Step 4d: For the motion title and motion text, copy it Exactly as written by the motioner.
(Optional but recommended) Before posting, double check if you have filled in everything correcly by pressing Preview.
Step 5: Post the thread at the exact time the vote is scheduled. (you can optionally inform the citizens through Discord by pinging them in #regional-assembly-private and asking them to cast their vote.).
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to do a citizenship status check.
Step 1: Run a standard citizenship status check.
Step 2: Look at the date and time on which the vote is scheduled. This can be found in the debating thread. Note that the scheduling is done with a timestamp, which means the time is in your timezone.
Step 3: At the time the vote is scheduled, open a new thread in the Voting Floor subforum. As a title, use the same title as the one of the debating post. Put [AT VOTE] or something equivalent in front of the thread title, as this tells in what stage the voting is currently in.
Step 3a If the title of the debating thread is not clear enough to tell the purpose of the proposal, use the title of the bill, or make a title yourself, as long as it is clear what the proposal is about.
Step 4: Pick the correct opening template in the Voting Post Templates thread. Fill in all the blanks.
Step 4a: For the Length of the vote, pick an number of days between 3 to 7 days as permitted by law. (Normally this is at least 5 days to give less active citizens also the opportunity to vote.). Note: The Legal code and Regional Assembly Rules have multiple laws about the duration of the vote. Consult these if needed.
Step 4b: For the time voting ends, use a unix timestamp. The way this is used is (time=THE TIMESTAMP). This will show the correct time in all timezones.
Step 4c: The @@LAST ELIGEBLE@@ is a way of telling who the newest citizen is at the time voting starts. This is because people who gain citizenship after the vote starts are not eligible to vote. The number is the number as shown as the first column of the Citizens sheet.
View attachment 3353
This number is hidden by having white-coloured letters. This number means that Citizen #5791 is the newest citizen who is eligible to vote. Any votes from citizens newer than 5791 will not count
This number is hidden by having white-coloured letters. This number means that Citizen #5791 is the newest citizen who is eligible to vote. Any votes from citizens newer than 5791 will not count
(Optional but recommended) Before posting, double check if you have filled in everything correcly by pressing Preview.
Step 5: Post the thread at the exact time the vote is scheduled. (you can optionally inform the citizens through Discord by pinging them in #regional-assembly-private and asking them to cast their vote.).
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Citizenship Application - Failed Admin Check
Prerequisites:
None
Step 1: Check the applicant's application again. Make sure they meet the following criteria:
Step 2: Open the 'Pending Applications' sheet. Record on the 'Administrator' column and the relevant applicant cell that they qualify for a Vice Delegate re-evaluation. To do so, insert a note or write on said cell indicating that they qualify.
Step 3: Prepare a post in the Citizenship Applications thread indicating that the applicant qualifies for a Vice Delegate re-evaluation. You may also ping the Vice Delegate on the post. If they still don't see it and it's nearing the legal 7-day limit to process an application (preferably 5 days), reach out to the Vice Delegate.
Step 4: When they are eventually granted citizenship, be sure to put them both on the Citizens spreadsheet and the WA-locked Citizens spreadsheet. Be sure to explicitly grant them citizenship on the applications thread.
Below is the WA-locked Citizens spreadsheet:
Prerequisites:
None
Vice Delegate re-evaluation: This is an evaluation, typically done a second time, if an applicant qualifies for it. Passing this evaluation automatically grants the applicant WA (World Assembly) contingent citizenship provided they meet the criteria. This mechanism was introduced in Pallaith's bill (now law) the Self-Checkout Act.
Self-Checkout Act:
Step 1: Check the applicant's application again. Make sure they meet the following criteria:
- Applicant does not have another forum account,
- Applicant did not apply with a proxy/VPN,
- Applicant's nation they applied with is in the World Assembly.
Step 2: Open the 'Pending Applications' sheet. Record on the 'Administrator' column and the relevant applicant cell that they qualify for a Vice Delegate re-evaluation. To do so, insert a note or write on said cell indicating that they qualify.
Step 2(a): Right click on the cell. There you will see multiple options pop up. Click the "Insert note."
Step 2(b): Write the following:
VD RE-EVAL
Or something of similar effect. This is done to prevent any future mistakes.
Step 2(b): Write the following:
VD RE-EVAL
Or something of similar effect. This is done to prevent any future mistakes.
Step 3: Prepare a post in the Citizenship Applications thread indicating that the applicant qualifies for a Vice Delegate re-evaluation. You may also ping the Vice Delegate on the post. If they still don't see it and it's nearing the legal 7-day limit to process an application (preferably 5 days), reach out to the Vice Delegate.
Step 4: When they are eventually granted citizenship, be sure to put them both on the Citizens spreadsheet and the WA-locked Citizens spreadsheet. Be sure to explicitly grant them citizenship on the applications thread.
Below is the WA-locked Citizens spreadsheet:
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Processing a Regional Assembly Motion
Prerequisites: none
Step 1: Recognizing a move/motion for a vote: Go to the thread where the motion is debated. This is either located in the Regional Assembly Subforum (for normal motions) or the Private Halls Subforum (for more confidential discussing, since the Private Halls is not visible to non-citizens). Go to the thread of the debate and look for post where someone says 'I move/motion for a vote" or something simillair.
Step 1b: When it comes to legislative motions (this means amendments to any of the laws), the writer (proposer) of the bill needs to move to a vote. Treaty ratifications need to be moved to a vote by either the Delegate or the Executive Officer (mostly the Minister of Foreign Affairs) responsible for the treaty. Non-legislative motions can be moved to a vote by all citizens.
Step 1c: Non-legislative motions need to be seconded from any other citizen before a vote can be scheduled. Legislative motions and treaty ratifications do not need a second.
Step 2: Acknowledging the vote (and optional second) and scheduling the vote Prepare to make a post in the debating thread. Quote the move post (and also the second post if needed) And say that the move (and second) is acknowledged an that a vote will be scheduled. Use a timestamp for indicating the exact time the vote will begin.
Prerequisites: none
Step 1: Recognizing a move/motion for a vote: Go to the thread where the motion is debated. This is either located in the Regional Assembly Subforum (for normal motions) or the Private Halls Subforum (for more confidential discussing, since the Private Halls is not visible to non-citizens). Go to the thread of the debate and look for post where someone says 'I move/motion for a vote" or something simillair.
Step 1b: When it comes to legislative motions (this means amendments to any of the laws), the writer (proposer) of the bill needs to move to a vote. Treaty ratifications need to be moved to a vote by either the Delegate or the Executive Officer (mostly the Minister of Foreign Affairs) responsible for the treaty. Non-legislative motions can be moved to a vote by all citizens.
Step 1c: Non-legislative motions need to be seconded from any other citizen before a vote can be scheduled. Legislative motions and treaty ratifications do not need a second.
View attachment 3601
In this example the Delegate, who proposed the motion (an Election Commision Confirmation) motioned for a vote. But every other citizen could have also motioned for a vote. As you can see this motion needed a second.
In this example the Delegate, who proposed the motion (an Election Commision Confirmation) motioned for a vote. But every other citizen could have also motioned for a vote. As you can see this motion needed a second.
View attachment 3602
In this example the writer of the bill (Sil Dorsett) motioned for a vote. The second on the move is not forbidden, but it's not needed for the proposal to be moved to a vote.
In this example the writer of the bill (Sil Dorsett) motioned for a vote. The second on the move is not forbidden, but it's not needed for the proposal to be moved to a vote.
View attachment 3603
In this example the move was for amendments to the Modern Gameplay Compact treaty. Kaschovia was the then-Delegate and therefore able to motion for a vote
In this example the move was for amendments to the Modern Gameplay Compact treaty. Kaschovia was the then-Delegate and therefore able to motion for a vote
Step 2: Acknowledging the vote (and optional second) and scheduling the vote Prepare to make a post in the debating thread. Quote the move post (and also the second post if needed) And say that the move (and second) is acknowledged an that a vote will be scheduled. Use a timestamp for indicating the exact time the vote will begin.
The scheduling of a vote is a tricky one to explain, since the Speaker does have a large amount of discretion for this. There are some rules about this, but there is also a large amount of times where the Speaker can decide this themselves. Therefore this will be 2 main sections, one for the hard rules and one for the "soft" rules and advises.
Hard Rules
Hard Rules
- For legislative votes and treaty ratification votes, after a move for a vote is posted. You need to announce a five-day formal debate before you can schedule a vote. This can be shortened by request from the motioner. During this formal debate, the bill can still be edited. After formal debate has ended, make sure you have the exact wording of the bill available. You can do this by making a screenshot or by copying it somewhere.
- If you have scheduled a vote, citizens can object to it. If 3 or more citizens object to a scheduling of a vote, you need to cancel it.
- If a vote is canceled for the above reason, a vote can still be scheduled if at least a third of quorum, including the original motioner, move for a vote.
- No more then 2 legislative votes can be held at the same time. If there are more legislative votes held or scheduled, make sure that a maximum of 2 can be at vote at the same time.
- If a legislative motion proposes changes to 2 or more Law Documents, the motion needs to include a clause that says: "No portion of this bill will take effect unless/until all portions take effect." or something similair. If this isn't the case, the vote cannot be scheduled.
- The motioner of a vote can request to cancel the vote. This can have various reasons. You are not required to cancel the vote, but it is recommended to do so.
- The duration between scheduling a vote and starting a vote is often up to the Speaker. Advises for this are the following:
- Look at the activity of the debating thread. If it is still very active, it is advised to schedule it a bit later to enable the debate to still continue. If there is very little debate, you can schedule it sooner.
- Motioners can also request a specific time for scheduling, including an immediate start of a vote. You can choose to accept or reject such a request.
- Be careful with immediate votes, as it disables the ability to object to the scheduling.
- It is advised to schedule a vote to begin at a time where you are certain someone from the Speaker's Office is able to open the vote on time. Look at your own availability or ask if other members from the Speaker's Office are available to open the vote at the time you intend to schedule the vote
View attachment 3604
This motion was about an Election Commission Confirmation. As you can see there is no formal debate and a second was needed.
This motion was about an Election Commission Confirmation. As you can see there is no formal debate and a second was needed.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Processing a passed legislative motion
Prerequisites: None
Use this guide when a legislative motion has been presented to the Delegate, and the Delegate has signed it. If this has not been done yet, consult the Closing a Vote Guide.
Step 1: Go to the New Legislation Notifications thread, located in the Delegate's Government subforum. Look for the post from the Delegate where they sign the bill.
Step 2: Go to the Laws page. Then go to the law document that is changed by the bill (If the bill changes the Legal Code, go to the Legal Code, etc). Edit the post, then add or remove the sections as mentioned in the Bill. Be VERY careful with this. ALWAYS double check your changes before saving them. Also check if the numbers of the sections need to be changed due to adding/removing a section. If the bill creates a new clause, add it at the bottom, unless mentioned otherwise. If the bill removes a clause, make sure the ordering is still correct. When your are done, make sure to press Save.
Step 3: Scroll down to the post that lists all amendments. Edit this post. Make a link to the closing post of the vote, and name it "Amended (the date voting had closed)". Make sure to save you edit when you are done.
Prerequisites: None
Use this guide when a legislative motion has been presented to the Delegate, and the Delegate has signed it. If this has not been done yet, consult the Closing a Vote Guide.
Step 1: Go to the New Legislation Notifications thread, located in the Delegate's Government subforum. Look for the post from the Delegate where they sign the bill.
View attachment 3607
As you can see, the bill is signed by then-Delegate Simone
As you can see, the bill is signed by then-Delegate Simone
View attachment 3608
All law documents and treaties are listed here. If you need to amend one, look at what the passed bill is meant to change.
All law documents and treaties are listed here. If you need to amend one, look at what the passed bill is meant to change.
View attachment 3609
As you can see, all clause have numbering. If a Bill happens to remove, for example, clause 15, clause 16 become clause 15, clause 17 becomes clause 16, etc. This also applies to whole sections or even whole chapters.
As you can see, all clause have numbering. If a Bill happens to remove, for example, clause 15, clause 16 become clause 15, clause 17 becomes clause 16, etc. This also applies to whole sections or even whole chapters.
View attachment 3610
The amendment list of the Regional Assembly Rules document. All dates lead to the voting threads.
The amendment list of the Regional Assembly Rules document. All dates lead to the voting threads.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Important terminology and important documents
Citizen: A resident nation who has citizenship. They are able to vote in the RA, run for office, and vote in elections.
Citizenship Requirements: The requirements a citizen needs to maintain their citizenship. There requirements are 1: maintaining their registered nation in the region and 2: posting on either the Forums or the RMB at least every 30 days. Failure to comply leads to losing citizenship.
Government Official: A citizen serving in a government position. This includes the Delegate, Vice Delegate, the Executive Council, the Security Council, the Speaker and Deputy Speakers, the Election Comission, the Bar Commission and the Bar Members, the Lead Gameside Advocate, and the Justices. Government officials need to swear an oath before taking office, and need to log into the Forums at least every 14 days.
Masking: Applying a technical feature to profiles of people who need to have certain abillities. A mask will give you access to the places the role needs to see. This is a feature on both the forums and Discord.
Motion/Move for a vote: Formally requesting the Speaker to schedule a vote on a motion. After this, the Speaker is able to schedule the vote.
Motion: Legislative: A motion that changes one or more law documents. Legislative motions either add, amend or remove parts of a legal document. The number of votes casted on these motions define the quorum.
Motion: Non-Legislative: Any motion that does not have the factors that define the Legislative and Treaty Ratification motion.
Motion: Treaty Ratification: A motion that ratifies a treaty between The North Pacific and 1 or more other regions. This also includes amendments to a treaty, or stepping out of a treaty.
Quorum: A third of the number of citizens that votes on the latest legislative motion. For example: if 30 citizens voted on the latest legislative vote, then quorum is 10. Quorum is used as a minimum of citizens to vote on a proposal for the proposal to be able to pass. It is also used as a tool to determine the number of citizens needed to force a proposal to be moved to a vote.
Resident: A nation that resides in TNP. A Registered resident is a forum profile that registered on the Forums with their TNP nation. Like citizens they are required to maintain a nation in TNP, but they do not have posting requirements.
Speaker's Office: The Speaker of the Regional assembly and their appoinited Deputy Speakers.
Timestamp: A tool which will always show the correct time to any viewer, regardless of their timezone. On the Forums we use a UNIX timestamp and insert it like this: (time=TIMESTAMP NUMBER)
Vice Delegate Re-Evaluation: The Re-Evaluation done by the Vice Delegate after a Citizen Applicant fails the Admin check based on using a Mobile or Non-residential IP. If they applicany passes the Re-Evaluation, they are still granted citizenship, but become WA-Locked Citizens.
WA-locked Citizens: A Citizen who failed the Admin check, but passed the VD Re-Evaluation. Aside from the regular requirements needed to maintain citizenship, they also need to maintain their nation in the World Assembly.
Important Documents to consult when working on the tasks explained by the guides:
Bill of Rights
Constitution
Legal Code
Regional Assembly Rules
Standing Procedures (this one is amended by the Speaker)
Citizen: A resident nation who has citizenship. They are able to vote in the RA, run for office, and vote in elections.
Citizenship Requirements: The requirements a citizen needs to maintain their citizenship. There requirements are 1: maintaining their registered nation in the region and 2: posting on either the Forums or the RMB at least every 30 days. Failure to comply leads to losing citizenship.
Government Official: A citizen serving in a government position. This includes the Delegate, Vice Delegate, the Executive Council, the Security Council, the Speaker and Deputy Speakers, the Election Comission, the Bar Commission and the Bar Members, the Lead Gameside Advocate, and the Justices. Government officials need to swear an oath before taking office, and need to log into the Forums at least every 14 days.
Masking: Applying a technical feature to profiles of people who need to have certain abillities. A mask will give you access to the places the role needs to see. This is a feature on both the forums and Discord.
Motion/Move for a vote: Formally requesting the Speaker to schedule a vote on a motion. After this, the Speaker is able to schedule the vote.
Motion: Legislative: A motion that changes one or more law documents. Legislative motions either add, amend or remove parts of a legal document. The number of votes casted on these motions define the quorum.
Motion: Non-Legislative: Any motion that does not have the factors that define the Legislative and Treaty Ratification motion.
Motion: Treaty Ratification: A motion that ratifies a treaty between The North Pacific and 1 or more other regions. This also includes amendments to a treaty, or stepping out of a treaty.
Quorum: A third of the number of citizens that votes on the latest legislative motion. For example: if 30 citizens voted on the latest legislative vote, then quorum is 10. Quorum is used as a minimum of citizens to vote on a proposal for the proposal to be able to pass. It is also used as a tool to determine the number of citizens needed to force a proposal to be moved to a vote.
Resident: A nation that resides in TNP. A Registered resident is a forum profile that registered on the Forums with their TNP nation. Like citizens they are required to maintain a nation in TNP, but they do not have posting requirements.
Speaker's Office: The Speaker of the Regional assembly and their appoinited Deputy Speakers.
Timestamp: A tool which will always show the correct time to any viewer, regardless of their timezone. On the Forums we use a UNIX timestamp and insert it like this: (time=TIMESTAMP NUMBER)
Vice Delegate Re-Evaluation: The Re-Evaluation done by the Vice Delegate after a Citizen Applicant fails the Admin check based on using a Mobile or Non-residential IP. If they applicany passes the Re-Evaluation, they are still granted citizenship, but become WA-Locked Citizens.
WA-locked Citizens: A Citizen who failed the Admin check, but passed the VD Re-Evaluation. Aside from the regular requirements needed to maintain citizenship, they also need to maintain their nation in the World Assembly.
Important Documents to consult when working on the tasks explained by the guides:
Bill of Rights
Constitution
Legal Code
Regional Assembly Rules
Standing Procedures (this one is amended by the Speaker)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Citizenship Application - Failed Vice Delegate Checks
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to setup a vote and close a vote.
2. Know how to schedule a vote
Step 1: Rejecting Citizenship: In this scenario, the Vice Delegate has made a post where they say that a Citizen has failed the Vice Delegate Check. If the Applicant has not yet been added to the Pending Applications Sheet, add them as usual. Tick the red box for the VD check. After that, make a post in the Citizenship Applications thread, pinging the applicant and saying that their application is rejected.
Step 2: Opening the debate and scheduling a vote: Go to the Private Halls subforum. Make a new thread with as title, "Rejection of (the applicant)'s citizenship application" or someting similar . In the opening post, explain that the application has been rejected due to a failed Vice Delegate Check. Choose to either make a motion about upholding or overturning the rejection. These 2 motions should look something like this:
Now the RA will debate on the rejection. The Vice Delegate may provide reasoning about their decision to fail the applicant's check. Note that the scheduling of the vote is based of the law, so citizens cannot object to the scheduling.
Step 2b: The Vice Delegate is also able to create such a post. If that is the case, only announce that voting will start in 2 days and add the timestamp of the exact date and time.
Step 3: Open the vote when it is scheduled. Close the vote when it is scheduled to end. See the guides for these actions for more information.
Step 4: If, based of the kind of motion that is voted on (see the 2 types in Step 2) overturns the rejection, make a post in the Speaker's Office thread. Say that based on the vote, the applicant has been granted citizenship. Continue from step 6 of the Standard Applications guide.
Step 4b: If, based of the kind of motion that is voted on (see the 2 types in Step 2) upholds the rejection, you don't need to do anything. The application stays rejected.
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to setup a vote and close a vote.
2. Know how to schedule a vote
Step 1: Rejecting Citizenship: In this scenario, the Vice Delegate has made a post where they say that a Citizen has failed the Vice Delegate Check. If the Applicant has not yet been added to the Pending Applications Sheet, add them as usual. Tick the red box for the VD check. After that, make a post in the Citizenship Applications thread, pinging the applicant and saying that their application is rejected.
Step 2: Opening the debate and scheduling a vote: Go to the Private Halls subforum. Make a new thread with as title, "Rejection of (the applicant)'s citizenship application" or someting similar . In the opening post, explain that the application has been rejected due to a failed Vice Delegate Check. Choose to either make a motion about upholding or overturning the rejection. These 2 motions should look something like this:
OrMotion:
Immediately schedule a vote to begin 2 days after you have rejected their citizenship, with a timestamp of the exact time voting will start.Motion:
Now the RA will debate on the rejection. The Vice Delegate may provide reasoning about their decision to fail the applicant's check. Note that the scheduling of the vote is based of the law, so citizens cannot object to the scheduling.
Step 2b: The Vice Delegate is also able to create such a post. If that is the case, only announce that voting will start in 2 days and add the timestamp of the exact date and time.
Due to the information being in the Private Halls subforum, no screenshot can be shown. The example opening post can be found here.
As you can see, the Speaker has already announced the scheduling of the vote in this post.
As you can see, the Speaker has already announced the scheduling of the vote in this post.
Due to the information being in the Private Halls subforum, no screenshot can be shown. The example opening post can be found here.
As you can see the then-Vice Delegate has already provided a reasoning on why they failed the applicant. In this case, you only need to schedule the vote.
As you can see the then-Vice Delegate has already provided a reasoning on why they failed the applicant. In this case, you only need to schedule the vote.
Step 3: Open the vote when it is scheduled. Close the vote when it is scheduled to end. See the guides for these actions for more information.
Step 4: If, based of the kind of motion that is voted on (see the 2 types in Step 2) overturns the rejection, make a post in the Speaker's Office thread. Say that based on the vote, the applicant has been granted citizenship. Continue from step 6 of the Standard Applications guide.
Step 4b: If, based of the kind of motion that is voted on (see the 2 types in Step 2) upholds the rejection, you don't need to do anything. The application stays rejected.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- TNP Nation
- New Matzeratia
- Discord
- Matzerati#9623
Non-legislative motions: Nomination to the Election Commission
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to setup and close a vote.
2. Know how to process RA motions.
Step 1: Find the nomination. Go to the Election Commissoner Appointments thread, located in the Delegate's Government subforum. Look at the appointments.
Step 2: Open the debate Go to the Regional Assembly subforum, and make a new thread. In the opening post. Explain that the Delegate appointed (The citizen in question) to the EC. Create a motion that appoins the citizen to the Election Commision. A motion should look like this:
Step 3: Now the RA will debate on the appointment. When a citizen has motioned for a vote and that motion has recieved a second, schedule a vote.
Prerequisites:
1. Know how to setup and close a vote.
2. Know how to process RA motions.
Step 1: Find the nomination. Go to the Election Commissoner Appointments thread, located in the Delegate's Government subforum. Look at the appointments.
Step 2: Open the debate Go to the Regional Assembly subforum, and make a new thread. In the opening post. Explain that the Delegate appointed (The citizen in question) to the EC. Create a motion that appoins the citizen to the Election Commision. A motion should look like this:
View attachment 3586
It is recommended to keep your template as close to the template above as possible, in order to maintain unity within the comfirmation post. Copy it from an older confirmation post if needed
It is recommended to keep your template as close to the template above as possible, in order to maintain unity within the comfirmation post. Copy it from an older confirmation post if needed
- Status