Voice vote
Topic: Parliamentary Procedure, Committees and Privileges · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
A voice vote is the quickest way to decide a question in a House. Members call out "Aye" (yes) or "No". The presiding officer judges which side is louder and declares the result. Nothing is counted or recorded, so no one can tell how each member voted. Any member can challenge the result and demand a division, which is a counted and recorded vote.
Example
On 20 September 2020, the farm bills were passed in the Rajya Sabha by voice vote, even though members demanded a division. In June 2024, Om Birla was re-elected Speaker by voice vote after a contest against K. Suresh.
Don't confuse with
- Division: each member's vote is counted and recorded, now usually electronically. A voice vote is only an estimate by the presiding officer.
Related concepts
- Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- Removal of the Speaker
- Casting vote
- Pro tem Speaker
- Deputy Speaker
- Panel of chairpersons
- Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- Panel of vice-chairpersons
- Division