If the chair is in doubt of the results of a voice vote, what type of vote should be taken?

If the chair is in doubt of the results of a voice vote, what type of vote should be taken?

• A. Voice Vote
• B. Ballot
• C. Show of Hands
• D. Rising Vote

Answer: (D)

When the chair is unsure of the outcome of a voice vote, a rising vote should be used. In a rising vote, members who support the motion rise and are counted, then those opposed rise and are counted as well. This gives a clear, public tally and resolves doubt much more reliably than a quick voice count or a show of hands. A ballot would be used only if a secret ballot is required or requested, which isn’t indicated here. So the chair calls for a rising (standing) vote to obtain a definite result.

When the chair is unsure of the outcome of a voice vote, a rising vote should be used. In a rising vote, members who support the motion rise and are counted, then those opposed rise and are counted as well. This gives a clear, public tally and resolves doubt much more reliably than a quick voice count or a show of hands. A ballot would be used only if a secret ballot is required or requested, which isn’t indicated here. So the chair calls for a rising (standing) vote to obtain a definite result.