What is a Motion to Reconsider in Robert’s Rules of Order?

A motion to reconsider is a particular parliamentary motion under Robert’s Rules of Order (RONR). It allows an assembly to reopen and reexamine a motion that has already been voted on, but only if certain conditions are met. Its purpose is to correct ill-advised orm or misinformed decisions while the meeting’s topic is still up for discussion.

Keep in mind that the motion to reconsider doesn’t automatically neglect the original decision. But instead, once it’s adopted, it reinstates the original motion prior to the assembly as if it had never been voted on. This then allows for renewed debate and a fresh vote.

What are the key aspects of the motion to reconsider?

Several procedural rules make the motion to reconsider distinct and carefully controlled:

• Who may move it: Only a member who voted on the prevailing side of the original motion (the winning side) may move to reconsider. This prevents a losing minority from repeatedly reopening settled decisions.
• Timing: The motion must be made during the same meeting or session in which the original vote occurred. In multi-day conventions, it must be made on the same day unless the session rules specify otherwise.
• Debatability: The motion to reconsider is debatable to the extent that the original motion was debatable.
• Vote required: A majority vote is required to adopt the motion to reconsider.
• Effect if adopted: Adoption does not change the decision itself—it simply restores the original motion to the floor for reconsideration.

Example: If a board approves a contract and later realizes critical cost information was missing, a member who voted in favor may move to reconsider that approval.

When can you use the motion to reconsider?

You can use a motion to reconsider when:

• The original motion was adopted or rejected earlier in the same meeting
• New information has emerged that materially affects the decision
• Members believe the decision was rushed or misunderstood
• The motion has not already been executed in a way that cannot be undone

You cannot use a motion to reconsider if:

• The motion was voted on in a previous session
• The result of the vote has already been fully implemented and cannot practically be reversed
• The motion to reconsider has already been decided for that issue

What are the diffrences of motion to reconsider among other motions?

The motion to reconsider is unique because it addresses a decision immediately after it is made, rather than correcting decisions long after the fact. It preserves meeting efficiency while allowing flexibility when new information or reflection justifies reopening the issue. Unlike informal “do-overs,” this motion operates within strict procedural boundaries to prevent abuse and endless debate.

Motion to Reconsider vs. Motion to Amend

These two motions serve very different purposes:

• Motion to reconsider

  • Reopens a vote already taken
  • Must be made by a prevailing voter
  • Applies only within the same session

• Motion to amend

  • Modifies a motion before it is voted on
  • Can be made by any member
  • Changes wording or scope but does not reopen a completed decision

In short, you amend before a vote; you reconsider after a vote.

Motion to Reconsider vs. Motion to Rescind

This is a common point of confusion:

• Motion to reconsider

  • Used during the same meeting
  • Limited to prevailing voters
  • Brings the original motion back as unfinished business

• Motion to rescind

  • Used at a later meeting or session
  • Can be made by any member
  • Seeks to cancel or nullify a previously adopted motion

A motion to rescind typically requires a higher voting threshold (majority with prior notice or two-thirds without notice), reflecting the greater disruption of reversing an established decision.