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Assume you are the chairman at a meeting and the motion to reconsider was made by a member who voted on the prevailing side. Another member who did not vote on the prevailing side seconded it.

Explain if you would accept the second.

User Skodsgn
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Final answer:

A motion to reconsider must be made by someone who voted on the prevailing side, but typically any member can second it. As chairman, you would normally accept this second unless the organization's bylaws state otherwise.

Step-by-step explanation:

As the chairman at a meeting, when a motion to reconsider is made, it is important to follow specific procedural rules. Typically, such a motion must be made by a member who voted with the majority (the prevailing side) on the original motion. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure that only those who contributed to the decision may initiate a reconsideration if they have second thoughts or new information surfaces.

In the scenario presented, a member fulfilling this criterion has indeed made the motion. However, a second on a motion is generally considered a formal way to express that at least two members want the matter brought before the group. The specific rules about who can second a motion may vary depending on the organization's bylaws. In most cases, any member can second a motion, regardless of how they voted previously. The purpose of the second is to show that there is sufficient interest in discussing the motion further, not necessarily to indicate endorsement of the motion.

Therefore, as the chairman, you would typically accept a second from any member, provided the initial motion to reconsider was in order by being moved by someone on the prevailing side. If the organization's bylaws do not require the seconder to have voted on the prevailing side, the second from a member who did not vote on the prevailing side is in order and can be accepted. Ultimately, it will be the assembly that decides whether to accept the motion to reconsider by majority vote.

User Locksfree
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