Page:Robert's Parliamentary Practice.djvu/32

10 having ended, the chairman inquires, "Are you ready for the question?" If there is no response, he rises and puts the question to the assembly thus: "The question is on the adoption of the following resolution: 'Resolved, That,' etc. [reading the resolution]. As many as are in favor of the resolution say Aye. Those opposed say No." The ayes being in the majority the chair continues, "The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted [or carried]." This is called Announcing the Vote. The chair should always stand while putting the question, but it is not necessary for him to stand while stating it.

If the negative is in the majority, the chair announces the vote thus: "The noes have it and the resolution [or motion] is lost." If the vote is a tie, that is, an equal number on each side, it is announced thus, "There are ——— in the affirmative and ——— in the negative. There being a tie, the motion is lost." The chairman, if a member of the assembly, may vote whenever his vote will affect the result, or when the vote is by ballot or by roll call. A majority vote, that is, a majority of the votes cast, is all that is necessary for the adoption of any proper motion except those in the list of motions that require a two-thirds vote, page 174.

If the main motion is not in the form of a resolution, the above-mentioned forms should be modified thus: "It has been moved and seconded 'that a concert be given,' etc. As many as are in favor of the motion,"