Person who 2nds a Motion

[Edian]

Must the person who 2nds a motion have to vote in favor of the motion?

[jstackpo]

No.  He/she need not vote at all.

 

Why would he second something he perhaps didn't support?  He though it was an awful idea and wanted the association to clearly defeat it, rather than just having it "go away" without any vote.

[Edgar Guest]

In fact, even the maker of the motion can vote against it.

[Gary Novosielski]

Must the person who 2nds a motion have to vote in favor of the motion?

Nobody ever "has to" vote a certain way.  If they did, then in what sense would it really be a vote?

[Guest Kathy]

Teachable moment here! Explain to Edian the purpose of seconding a motion.

[Richard Brown]

The purpose of a second to a motion is simply to indicate that the person who seconded the motion agrees that it should come before the assembly.  It does NOT indicate support of the motion.

 

From RONR 11th edition, page 35, lines 4 - 6:  "After a motion has been made, another member who  wishes it to be considered says, "I second the motion", or, "I second it", or even, "Second". 

 

Then, on page 36 starting on line 9:  "A second merely implies that the seconder agrees that the motion should come before the meeting and not that he necessarily favors the motion. A member may second a motion (even if using the word "support" as indicated above) because he would like to see the assembly go on record as rejecting the proposal, if he believes a vote on the motion would have such a result."