© 2014 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612-624-2116.
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PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
The 6 Methods of Voting
GENERAL CONSENT
This method of voting can be used to speed up a meeting and the voting process for regular items
such as minutes or items that everyone appears to be in favor of. A motion may be passed
without a formal vote being taken. If there are any objections, the motion must be processed
using the 6 steps of a motion.
Put it to Use: “Are there any objections to (state the motion)?” [pause] If no
objections are made you may state “Hearing no objections, (state the
motion)”.
With minutes: “You have received the minutes. Are there any corrections to the
minutes?” [pause] “Hearing none, the minutes are approved as
presented.”
VOICE VOTE
This traditional way of voting has members verbally say “aye” or “no” in response to the question.
Put it to Use: “Those in favor of the motion say aye.” [pause] “Those opposed say
no.”
Make it Fun: In 4-H meetings you don’t always have to use the words “aye” and
“no” as voice reponses. You can liven up your meetings by having
members respond in other fun and creative ways as well. A quack,
moo, hip hip horray, or what’s up are sure to get everyone’s attention.
“All those in favor of the motion quack once” [pause] “All those
opposed same sign.”
SHOW OF HANDS
A method of voting in which the members raise their hand to show their vote. This method is
best used only in small groups where everyone can see each other, or the results may be in
question.
Put it to Use: “Those in favor of the motion please raise your hand.” [pause]
“Those opposed please raise your hand.”
RISING VOTE – STAND AND MAYBE COUNT OFF
If a voice vote has a questionable result, the Rising Vote may be used to see the result easily. It
can be easier than a show of hands to determine the results as well since sometimes it is hard to
see a series of hands clearly within a room.
If the result of the vote is not obvious by having delegates stand, you may count the result by
having the standing members count off. After they shout out their number, they then sit down so
an accurate count can be taken.
Put it to Use: “Those in favor of the motion, please stand.” [pause] “Please be
seated.” [pause] “Those opposed to the motion, please stand.”
[pause] “Please be seated.”
Another Take: To accommodate members of your group that may not be able to
stand, consider using a voting card instead of standing. A voting card
is an obvious sign or colored sheet of paper that members raise to
vote.
BALLOT VOTE – WRITE IT DOWN
A ballot vote is used for elections or any other time the pressure of the group might keep people
from voting what they really believe. A “Teller” is elected or appointed to collect the votes and
tally them. The teller, secretary, and president also need to ensure that only one ballot is given
each eligible member. It is important to make sure ineligible members, guests, and parents
present not be given a ballot as well.
Put it to Use: “Please mark your ballots clearly, fold them one time, and hand
them directly to a teller.”
ROLL CALL VOTE – CALL THE ROLL
This method is opposite of the ballot vote in that every member’s vote is known. Each member’s
name is called by the Secretary, at which time the member states his or her vote by saying ‘aye’,
‘no’, ‘present (abstain)’, or ‘pass’. If a member calls out pass that person may vote before the
results are announced. The secretary then records the vote and it is kept on record. This method
of voting should only be used when members are responsible to others that have a right to know,
such as in public office.
Put it to Use: “The secretary will now call the roll.”
Created by Jody Koubsky, University of Minnesota Extension, December 2014
Source: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Robert’s Rules Second Edition by Nancy Sylvester, PRP, CPP-T
© 2014 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612-624-2116.
Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer waste material.
