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Sometimes, when a vote is close, particularly on an emotionally charged issue, it can be difficult to tell which side wins. Sometimes the "No!" vote is louder, even though there were more people voting "Yes," or vice versa. When a member is uncomfortable with the closeness of a vote, he may call for a division, or a count of votes. When the division is called for, the vote is taken again, using a method that allows an exact count of yes and no votes, such as show of hands, standing, roll call, or written ballot. Strictly speaking, the division must be called before the chair has ruled on the vote. Many chairman, however, will still honor a division called after he has declared the motion passed or defeated. If he does not honor the division, and the member who called it is unsatisfied that the vote was clear, he may appeal the decision of the chair. Here's how it works: |
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