Voting Methods on a Motion:

The voting method on any motion depends on the situation and the by-laws or policy of your organization. There are six methods used to vote by most organizations, they are:

1. By Voice -- The Chairman asks those in favor to say "aye," and those opposed to say "no." Any member may move for an exact count.

2. By Roll Call -- Each member answers "yes" or "no" as his name is called. This method is used when a record of each person's vote is required.

3. By General Consent -- When a motion is not likely to be opposed, the Chairman says, "if there is no objection ..." The membership shows agreement by their silence; however, if one member says, "I object," the item must be put to the vote.

4. By Division -- This is a slight verification of a voice vote. It does not require a count unless the Chairman so desires. Members raise their hands or stand.

5. By Ballot -- Members write their vote on a slip of paper; this method is used when secrecy is desired.

6. "Standing vote" or "rising vote" or in a very small assembly by "showing hands" is used in large assemblies. In those cases, we need to know precisely how many voted in favor of the motion and how many voted against the motion, for example, when the voting to pass a motion requires two-thirds (2/3). In this case, the chair calls first for the affirmative vote, and all who wish to vote in favor of the motion indicate in the manner specified; then, he calls for the negative vote. The chair must always call for the negative vote, no matter how nearly unanimous the affirmative vote may appear.