Voting
Contents
Types of Voting
The Chair calls for votes for (in favor of the motion) and against (opposed to the motion) the vote in turn. The Chair may use discretion in which method of voting to employ, based on his/her observation of the debate on the motion.
Voting by Consent
Voting by consent is an abbreviated way to vote on a motion, and is used when a brother believes that the entire body will vote in favor of the motion.
Note: The brother does not need to be recognized, as long as he or she is not interrupting a speaker.
Voting by Voice
If the Assembly is not strongly divided, a voice vote is appropriate. The Chair will ask all those in favor to say 'aye' (or 'yes') and then all those opposed to say 'nay' (or 'no').
Voting by Show of Hands
A rising vote (show of hands) may be used if many points of debate were raised both in the pro and in the con on the motion. The Chair will ask all those in favor of the motion to raise their hands, followed by asking those opposed to raise their hands.
Voting by Roll Call
Voting by roll call may be requested by any brother. The Chair will call the name of each voting member who announces whether he is voting in the affirmative for the motion ('aye' or 'yes') or the negative ('nay' or no').
Voting by Secret Ballot
Voting by roll call may be requested by any brother, and, with minor exceptions, is used for any vote on a person. Each voting member writes his or her vote on a piece of paper, which is then counted by a vote counter appointed prior to the vote (commonly the Parliamentarian or a brother viewed as being impartial to the vote, such as alumni in the case of many votes).
Initiation Voting
- Initiation Voting - includes information on both bid voting and final voting
Bylaw Voting
