A motion to reconsider is a formal request to reopen debate and re-vote on a previous decision made by a legislative or deliberative body. It must be made by a member who voted on the original side they now oppose, and it requires a majority vote to pass.
This procedural tool exists to correct errors, respond to new information, or adjust positions based on changed circumstances. It is not a veto, nor is it automatic-it must be formally proposed and approved by the group.
According to Robert's Rules of Order, the motion to reconsider is one of the few ways to reverse a decision after a vote has concluded. It cannot be used to challenge a ruling on procedure or to delay action indefinitely. Its purpose is corrective, not obstructive.
The motion to reconsider must be made by someone who voted on the losing side of the original vote. A member who supported the passed motion cannot move to reconsider unless they change their position. This prevents abuse and ensures the motion is used to address genuine shifts in perspective.
For example, if a city council passes a zoning amendment by a 6-3 vote, a councilmember who voted yes may not move to reconsider. But a member who voted no can propose it-provided they do so before the next business item is addressed.
Once made, the motion requires a majority vote to pass. If adopted, the original vote is set aside, debate resumes, and a new vote occurs. If rejected, the original decision stands.
Motions to reconsider typically arise when new facts emerge, a key member changes their mind, or the outcome of a vote leads to unintended consequences. They are common in municipal councils, school boards, and corporate board meetings.
In 2021, the Los Angeles City Council used a motion to reconsider to overturn a parking fee increase after community leaders presented traffic data showing disproportionate impact on low-income neighborhoods. The motion passed 10-7, leading to revised legislation.
These motions are not meant for routine policy reversals. They require justification. The proposer must explain why reconsideration is necessary-such as "new evidence about environmental impact" or "a clerical error in the vote tally."
Many assume a motion to reconsider can be used anytime, but timing matters. In most bodies, it must be made before the next agenda item begins. Once the meeting proceeds past the point of closure, the motion becomes invalid.
Another misconception is that it can be used to challenge a decision repeatedly. In reality, a motion to reconsider cannot be made more than once on the same issue unless the original vote was rescinded by a later motion. This prevents endless delays.
Some groups mistakenly believe the motion applies to all decisions. It does not. It only applies to votes that were decided by a recorded or roll-call vote. Unanimous consent decisions or voice votes cannot be reconsidered under standard rules.
Different organizations have distinct rules. The U.S. House of Representatives allows reconsideration within 10 days of a vote, but only if the motion is made by a member who opposed the original result. The Senate permits reconsideration at any time, but only with unanimous consent.
| Body Type | Reconsideration Window | Vote Required | Who Can Move It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Council (e.g., LA) | Before next agenda item | Majority | Voted against original motion |
| U.S. House of Representatives | Within 10 days | Simple majority | Opposed original vote |
| U.S. Senate | Any time, but requires consent | Unanimous consent | Any senator |
| Corporate Board (bylaws-dependent) | Before adjournment | Majority | Board member |
One non-obvious rule: in many assemblies, a motion to reconsider cannot be amended. It is a binary request-either the body agrees to revisit the vote or it does not. This preserves clarity and prevents procedural gamesmanship.
In 2019, the Portland City Council approved a development project by a 5-4 vote. After the vote, a resident group submitted a 20-page report showing that stormwater runoff from the site would exceed EPA standards. The lead planner had missed a critical drainage model.
One councilmember who voted yes later admitted they hadn't seen the updated hydrology study. They moved to reconsider the decision during the next meeting. The motion passed 6-4. The council reviewed the new data, delayed the project, and required revisions to the design.
This case shows how the motion functions not as a power grab, but as a mechanism for accountability. Without it, flawed decisions could stand unchallenged.
A motion to reconsider is not the same as a motion to rescind. The latter cancels a decision entirely and requires a two-thirds vote. Reconsideration keeps the original decision alive for re-evaluation. It assumes the original vote was valid but may have been premature.
It is also different from a motion to amend. That alters the text of a proposal before voting. Reconsideration deals with outcomes after a vote has occurred.
Even within parliamentary procedure, the motion is often misunderstood. Robert's Rules of Order clarifies that it is not a right-it is a privilege granted by the assembly. The chair may deny a motion if it appears disruptive or if the time limit has passed.
I once observed a county board meeting where a member tried to move to reconsider a budget vote after the session had adjourned. The chair ruled it out of order. The motion failed because the window had closed. This reinforced that procedural rules exist to maintain order, not to enable endless second chances.
A motion to reconsider is a procedural safeguard that allows groups to correct decisions based on new information or changed circumstances. It requires a formal request from a member who opposed the original vote, must be approved by a majority, and is subject to strict timing rules.
Understanding what is a motion to reconsider helps ensure fair deliberation and responsible governance. Whether in local government, nonprofit boards, or corporate settings, this tool supports accountability and adaptability.