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A voice vote is a decision-making process in which those present make their opinions known orally as a group, without a formal record of who voted for and against. It is often used in small legislative bodies and can be used for controversial measures to provide political cover. The outcome is at the discretion of the chairman, and a split can be called for if necessary. Voice voting is also used in student government groups and mock legislative sessions.
In legislative bodies, a voice vote is a decision-making process in which those present make their opinions known orally as a group, rather than standing or splitting to be counted. This means that there is no formal record of who voted for and voted against the measure under consideration. Voice votes are often used in small legislative bodies, but appear at the highest levels of government as well.
When a voice vote is taken, the president says “all for” and those in favor respond with “yes” or “yes.” Next, the presiding officer calls “all against” and those against say “no”. Lawmakers can also respond with “present,” which is seen as an abstention vote. The outcome of the vote is at the discretion of the chairman; if he or she thinks one side is significantly in the majority, the result will be announced. Those who disagree with the president’s judgment can call for a split, a more formal type of vote in which people are actually counted to determine the outcome of the vote.
There are a number of reasons to use a voice vote. Sometimes, a voice vote will be required when a measure is not very controversial, because it is faster than a division. Even small legislative bodies like city councils can use the voice voting system, because there are only a few members and it’s easy to tell which side has the most votes.
Sometimes, voice voting will also be used in the case of a more controversial measure, because lawmakers appreciate the lack of a formal record telling people how they voted; in a sense, voice voting serves as a political cover, allowing lawmakers to vote with their beliefs because they are less afraid of reprisal.
The yeses and nos of a vocal vote are familiar to many people interested in the political process. Many student government groups also use the voice voting system to get members more involved in the decision-making process, and government classes that hold mock legislative sessions also tend to use the voice voting process rather than written or anonymous voting. Political conventions may also use voice votes, usually in a roll call that goes state by state, although delegates may move for a “vote by acclamation,” in which the entire convention is asked to vote as one.
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