Legal Definitions - divide the house

The term divide the house refers to a formal parliamentary procedure used in legislative bodies or other assemblies to obtain a precise and verifiable count of votes on a motion. Instead of a voice vote or a simple show of hands, members physically separate into two distinct groups—those in favor of the motion and those opposed—so that each individual vote can be accurately counted and recorded. This method is typically invoked when the outcome of a less formal vote is unclear, or when a member formally requests a more definitive tally.

Here are some examples illustrating this procedure:

• Example 1: National Parliament Debate

  Imagine the national parliament is debating a highly contentious bill concerning environmental regulations. After a lengthy discussion, the Speaker calls for a vote. A preliminary voice vote sounds very close, making it difficult to determine a clear majority. A member of parliament then formally requests to "divide the house." In response, the Speaker instructs all members who support the bill to move to the right side of the chamber and all members who oppose it to move to the left. Official clerks then meticulously count each member in both groups, ensuring an exact and undeniable record of how each representative voted on the critical legislation.

  This example demonstrates "divide the house" because the legislative body physically separates its members to achieve an accurate, formal count when the initial vote is ambiguous, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Example 2: Local City Council Meeting

  A city council is holding a meeting to vote on a proposal to rezone a large plot of land for commercial development. Following public comments and council debate, the Mayor, who chairs the meeting, asks for a vote. Several council members raise their hands, but the count appears to be tied or very close. To avoid any dispute, one councilor formally requests a "division of the house." The Mayor then directs council members in favor of the rezoning proposal to stand on one side of the council chambers and those against it to stand on the opposite side. The city clerk then proceeds to count each standing member, providing a definitive and recorded outcome for the zoning decision.

  This illustrates "divide the house" as the city council, a legislative body, uses physical separation to ensure a precise and undisputed vote count on an important local issue, moving beyond an unclear show of hands.

• Example 3: University Senate Session

  During a session of a university's academic senate, a motion is put forward to revise the grading policy for all undergraduate courses. After a preliminary vote by a show of hands, the presiding officer notes that the result is unclear, with many hands appearing to be raised for both 'yes' and 'no'. To ensure a fair and accurate decision that reflects the will of the senate, a senator calls for a "division of the house." The presiding officer then instructs all senators who support the grading policy revision to move to one designated area of the meeting hall, and those who oppose it to move to another. Staff members then count the individuals in each section, providing a clear and official tally of the votes for the academic policy change.

  This example shows "divide the house" in the context of an academic governing body, where members physically separate to allow for a precise count of votes on a significant policy change, ensuring accuracy when a less formal vote is inconclusive.