motion to stop voting on previous motions voted down

[Guest JZ]

A motion was made last meeting to not be able to revisit the same motion that has been voted down, for 3 months. I'm not sure, but doesent this motion infringe on the bodies right to have a voice.

[George Mervosh]

A special rule of order (RONR, p. 15) is required to implement this.....I doubt that's what occurred.

"Adoption or amendment of special rules of order that are separate from the bylaws requires either (a) previous notice (pp. 116-18) and a two-thirds vote or (B] a vote of a majority of the entire membership." RONR, p. 15

If what was adopted wasn't adopted properly as shown above, the action would be null and void, in my opinion.

[Weldon Merritt]

I concur with George, and also point out that even if properly adopted as a Special Rule of Order, the rule really would not prevent another vote on the motions; it would just make it harder to have one. The rule could be suspended by a two-thirds vote. If indeed the motions in question have been defeated several times, it probably will be extremely unlikely that a two-thirds vote to suspend the rule could be obtained, but it might be if enough members have chaged their minds.

[Gary Novosielski]

A motion was made last meeting to not be able to revisit the same motion that has been voted down, for 3 months. I'm not sure, but doesent this motion infringe on the bodies right to have a voice.

As a practical matter, writing and instituting such a rule in a way that it works and is immune from simply being suspended is going to be time consuming and ultimately ineffective. All the mover has to do is change the motion slightly, and you'll be arguing, and appealing, and arguing over the appeals, to determine whether your special rule actually applies, for far longer than you would have over the original motion.

If you have someone who is convinced that renewing the same motion time after time in the face of overwhelming opposition is a good tactic, and they cannot be disabused of that notion, the quickest way to dispose of it is to allow them to move it, and then immediately Object to Consideration. As long as 2/3 of the members agree, it will all be over in ten seconds, and there's no extra rule with all its extra interpretation to mess with.