Parliamentary Procedure Resources: Effective Meeting Tips
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Nancy Sylvester, MA, PRP, CPP-T
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SCRIPT: MOTION TO RECONSIDER

If someone in the group changes their mind on a motion voted on at the current meeting (whether the motion passed or failed) that member can move to Reconsider the motion. The effect of this motion is to erase the original vote on the motion and put the assembly in exactly the place it was right before that vote occurred. Key to this motion is that it must be made at the same meeting as the original motion (with a few exceptions) and it can only be made by a member who voted on the prevailing side (if the motion passed, the member had to vote in favor of the motion; if the motion failed, the member had to vote against the motion). The principle is that someone in the group has to have changed their mind before the entire group has to consider it again.

SCRIPT: MOTION TO RECONSIDER

Member:

I move to Reconsider the vote on _________________.

Chair:

The motion to Reconsider can be made only by a member who voted on the prevailing side. That motion [passed/failed]. Therefore, you needed to have voted [in favor/against] the motion. Is that how you voted?

Is there a second to the motion?

Second Member:

Second

Chair:

It is moved and seconded to Reconsider the vote on _______________.

The question is: shall the motion be Reconsidered?

[If the motion is debatable] Is there any discussion?

[After discussion] Are you ready for the question? [Pause]

[If the motion is undebatable]

We will now go to the vote. The question is: shall the motion to ___________________ be Reconsidered?

Those in favor, say aye. [Pause for response]

Those opposed, say no.

The affirmative has it, the motion is adopted, and the motion is reconsidered. The motion on the floor and open for discussion at this time is ____________________________________.

[Proceed with discussion and the vote on the motion that is reconsidered.]

or

The negative has it, the motion is lost, and we will not reconsider the motion.

Therefore, the original decision made by the members on this motion stands.
[Repeat the original motion and the original vote.]

The next business in order is . . .

RULES FOR THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER:
 
  • Is debatable only if the motion being reconsidered is debatable.
  • Is not amendable.
  • Needs a majority vote.
  • Can only be made by a person who voted on the prevailing side.
  • Can be moved only on the same or the next succeeding day after the original vote was taken.
  • Vote needed: Majority
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