Definition
A procedural move allowing a legislative body to revisit a vote already taken, typically filed by a member who voted with the winning side. A do-over for lawmakers who realize they made a mistake or got new orders from leadership.
Example Usage
Senator Williams filed a motion to reconsider after three of her colleagues who were absent during the original vote returned.
Origin
Standard parliamentary procedure dating to early democratic assemblies
Fun Fact
In the U.S. Senate, motions to reconsider are often filed and immediately tabled simply to prevent the other side from reconsidering—a procedural chess move that accomplishes nothing but prevents the opposition from accomplishing anything either.
Related Terms
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See “motion to reconsider” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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