Process to overrule a vote

[Guest Evelyn]

If a motion was adopted and a member on the prevailing side makes a motion for reconsideration at a later time, will the vote have to be retaken? If so, what is the process

[Tim Wynn]

If a motion was adopted and a member on the prevailing side makes a motion for reconsideration at a later time, will the vote have to be retaken? If so, what is the process

It depends on what you mean by "later." The motion to Reconsider has strict time restraints. It can't be made at a later session.

If it is made within the time restraints, it must be made by a member who voted on the prevailing side (as you mentioned); it requires a second (seconder's previous vote doesn't matter); it is debatable; and it requires a majority vote, regardless of the vote required for the motion it proposes to reconsider.

If the motion to Reconsider is adopted, it has the effect of placing the targeted motion before the assembly, once again, in the same condition it was in right before the vote was taken on it. From there, it can be amended or debated or be disposed of through any proper parliamentary method.

[Rob Elsman]

Once the motion to Reconsider has been adopted, the motion to be reconsidered is in exactly the same condition it was in right before the vote on it was taken originally. What happens after that point depends on how the deliberative process unfolds.

[hmtcastle]

If a motion was adopted and a member on the prevailing side makes a motion for reconsideration at a later time, will the vote have to be retaken? If so, what is the process

The very narrowly defined Motion to Reconsider is not an option at a subsequent meeting.

But any member can make a motion to rescind or otherwise amend the adopted motion.

[Tim Wynn]

If a motion was adopted and a member on the prevailing side makes a motion for reconsideration at a later time, will the vote have to be retaken? If so, what is the process

If it's too late for the motion to Reconsider (at a later session, for example), the motion to Rescind or Amend Something Previously Adopted could be used to gain a similar effect. It requires a two-thirds vote, or a majority vote with notice, or a vote of a majority of the entire membership.

[Guest Evelyn]

I mean at a subsequent meeting. Can the member call for a reconsider so as to take another vote on a motion that has been adopted at a previous meeting?

It depends on what you mean by "later." The motion to Reconsider has strict time restraints. It can't be made at a later session.

If it is made within the time restraints, it must be made by a member who voted on the prevailing side (as you mentioned); it requires a second (seconder's previous vote doesn't matter); it is debatable; and it requires a majority vote, regardless of the vote required for the motion it proposes to reconsider.

If the motion to Reconsider is adopted, it has the effect of placing the targeted motion before the assembly, once again, in the same condition it was in right before the vote was taken on it. From there, it can be amended or debated or be disposed of through any proper parliamentary method.

[hmtcastle]

I mean at a subsequent meeting. Can the member call for a reconsider so as to take another vote on a motion that has been adopted at a previous meeting?

No. The term "reconsider" has a special meaning in RONR-Land.

But any member can make a motion to rescind ("revoke") or amend (change) the adopted motion.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

I mean at a subsequent meeting.

Can the member call for a reconsider so as to take another vote on a motion that has been adopted at a previous meeting?

No.

A member cannot move the motion "To Reconsider." There are time limits with this motion.

In the dictionary sense of "reconsider" (to re-think the issue), the parliamentary tool is this:

• If the motion was ADOPTED, then you may AMEND it or RESCIND it, within limits.

• If the motion was REJECTED, then you may move anew the identical motion. (This is called "renewal".)

Q. Was your motion adopted or rejected, at your prior meeting?

[Josh Martin]

I mean at a subsequent meeting. Can the member call for a reconsider so as to take another vote on a motion that has been adopted at a previous meeting?

Unless this is a multiple day convention and the previous meeting was on the previous business day, or if this is a committee, no. (RONR, 10th ed., pg. 305, lines 26-35) In all other cases, the proper course of action at this point is to move to rescind or amend the adopted motion.