Simplified Rules of Order

Motions That Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly

Rescind

A meeting, like an individual, has a right to change its mind. There are two ways a meeting can do so--rescind or reconsider.

A motion to rescind means a proposal to cancel or annul an earlier decision. A motion to reconsider, if passed, enables a meeting to debate again the earlier motion and eventually vote again on it. However, a motion to rescind, if passed, cancels the earlier motion and makes it possible for a new motion to be placed before the meeting.

Another form of the same motion--a motion to amend something previously adopted--can be proposed to modify only a part of the wording or text previously adopted, or to substitute a different version.

Such motions cannot interrupt another speaker, must be seconded, are debatable, and are amendable. Because such motions would change action already taken by the meeting, they require:

1. a two-thirds vote, or
2. a majority vote when notice of intent to make the motion has been given at the previous meeting or in the call of the present meeting, or
3. a vote of the majority of the entire membership--whichever is the most practical to obtain.

Negative votes on such motions can be reconsidered, but not affirmative ones.