Approved Motion Is Property Of Voters

[Guest Dan Mayer]

In our church organization a particular motion to install stained glass windows was narrowly approved (by 1 vote). Several members from the prevailing position now wish to void the motion and perhaps start over at another time. My thought is that the motion is the property of the voters and therefore this small group cannot speak for the voters who approved the motion. Is that correct?

[George Mervosh]

Let's put it this way, most adopted main motions can be rescinded or amended. The motion can be made by anyone during a meeting, whether they were on the prevailing side or not. RONR (11th ed.), p. 305ff

[Trina]

In our church organization a particular motion to install stained glass windows was narrowly approved (by 1 vote). Several members from the prevailing position now wish to void the motion and perhaps start over at another time. My thought is that the motion is the property of the voters and therefore this small group cannot speak for the voters who approved the motion. Is that correct?

You are correct that the decision was a decision of the assembly. The people who voted on the prevailing side have no special 'ownership privilege' -- in other words, the fact that some of them have changed their minds doesn't give them special authority.

However, as Mr. Mervosh points out, any member can (at a meeting) make a motion to rescind or amend the previously adopted motion... and then the assembly (not some subset of members) will decide.

[Tim Wynn]

... and then the assembly (not some subset of members) will decide.

Except that it will be the subset of members who are present and voting.

[Trina]

Except that it will be the subset of members who are present and voting.

Quite true; just not the subset who are apparently now saying, outside of a meeting, "We speak for the majority, and we've changed our minds."