Which phrase would the presiding officer use if the motion is defeated?

• A. The motion is tabled.
• B. The nays have it, and the motion stands.
• C. The 'ayes' have it, and the motion is carried.
• D. The 'noes' have it, and the motion is lost.

Answer: (D)

When a motion is defeated, the presiding officer announces the result by indicating which side won and that the motion is not adopted. The correct phrasing is to say that the noes (the negative votes) have it, and the motion is lost. This clearly communicates that the motion did not pass.

If the motion had passed, the form would be the opposite—ayes have it and the motion is carried. Other options describe different actions: to table a motion is to postpone consideration, which isn’t relevant to a defeat; and saying the nays have it while the motion stands would be inconsistent, since the outcome of defeat is that the motion is lost, not remains in effect.